KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) A police officer’s use of deadly force during an April confrontation in Keene was legally justified, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office announced Thursday.

Attorney General John M. Formella said the finding follows an investigation into the April 29, 2025, shooting of 25-year-old Cullen Costa, who was wounded but survived. The shooting occurred shortly before 3 p.m. near Colby and Baker streets, after a 911 caller reported a suspicious person walking in the neighborhood.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, Officer Jake Dube of the Keene Police Department fired one shot, striking Costa in the chest. Investigators later determined that the officer’s decision to use deadly force met the legal standard for justification under state law.

While the report concludes that Dube’s actions were lawful, criminal charges remain pending against Costa stemming from the same incident, the Attorney General’s Office said. Because of those ongoing proceedings, officials said they cannot release additional details until the case is resolved.

“When the current legal proceedings against Mr. Costa have concluded, the Attorney General’s Office will issue its full report on the investigation into Officer Dube’s use of deadly force,” the agency stated in its written announcement.