Grand jury clears retired officer in shooting death of ex-firefighter

Jefferson County — KFDM News has learned that a Jefferson County grand jury has cleared a retired police officer following the shooting death of an ex-firefighter.

That means John Ishee will not face any criminal charges.

Port Arthur Police told us the shooting on Tom Drive took place during an altercation November 17 between Ishee and retired Port Arthur firefighter Charles Quisenberry, 61. He was a longtime battalion chief with PAFD before retirement.

Ishee last served with BPD in 2003. He said the shooting was in self defense.

Port Arthur police questioned Ishee and didn't file any charges.

PAPD investigated and turned over its case to the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office,

Assistant District Attorney Cory Kneeland is the grand jury and intake attorney for Jefferson County.

He says the D.A.'s Office told the grand jurors of the potential charges, ranging from murder, to manslaughter, to deadly conduct.

The grand jury deliberated and Kneeland says on January 18, it reached a finding that the shooting wasn't a criminal act, based on the grounds of self defense, clearing Ishee.

Kneeland spoke with us about this case.

"it's tragic," Kneeland told KFDM/Fox 4. "No one wants to have to do that in Texas and America. You have a right to defend yourself when deadly force is displayed against you."