Port Authority police who shot and killed a knife-wielding man who had fatally stabbed a police dog in January returned to work Tuesday with District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. issuing a report that found their use of deadly force to be justified. Following a confrontation in Wilkinsburg and Bruce Kelley Jr.’s nearly 20-minute attempt to flee, Port Authority Sgt. Brian O’Malley and Officer Dominic Ravotti fired 11 shots at Kelley, striking him seven times and killing him. O’Malley fired nine of those shots. The officers fired after Kelley stabbed K-9 Aren in the snout, severing an artery and killing the dog. “The fact that Kelley Jr. used the deadly weapon he had in his possession to kill a police animal further bolsters the legitimate concern that he would otherwise endanger human life,â€? Zappala wrote in his 13-page report dated June 10 but released publicly on Tuesday. Hundreds gathered to honor the slain police dog during a memorial service that included a red and blue lights-flashing procession. But the shooting also sparked an outcry that police could have resolved the situation without killing Kelley. Zappala’s report did little to satisfy some critics. Tim Stevens, chairman and CEO of the Black Political Empowerment Project in Pittsburgh, said he was “extremely upsetâ€? by Zappala’s findings. The fact that the dog’s handler fired nine shots indicates “he was shooting in anger, which is not how an officer is supposed to perform,â€? Stevens said. He said police had Kelley surrounded. He believed they could have used a non-lethal method to resolve the situation. “Bruce Tyrone Kelley Jr. should not be in a grave,â€? Stevens said. “That was a horrible decision by the district attorney.â€? Brandi Fisher with the Alliance for Police Accountability said in a statement that Kelley Jr. suffered from severe mental health issues, which was apparent in video footage of the incident. “Instead of being treated professionally by the Port Authority Police, he was pursued as he tried to avoid confrontation, subjected to an assault by a dog who was trained to attack, and then mowed down in a hail of police bullets. Mr. Kelley’s death is representative of the obvious lack of training by the Port Authority Police and the blatant disregard for the mentally ill and Black life.â€? Port Authority CEO Ellen McLean, in a statement released Tuesday afternoon, apologized for holding Aren’s memorial service – attended by more than 300 officers and K-9s from across the region — while Kelley’s family was mourning. She said this was insensitive. “While the department was mourning the death of an officer, in hindsight, we shouldn’t have had the type of service and procession held for K-9 officer Aren,â€? McLean said. She said officers plan to make themselves more accessible to residents along the busway and will continue the authority’s current practice of reviewing policies every three years. Since the shooting, one officer has undergone training in mental health first aid, which will be taught to the rest of the department in the coming months. “We again extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Bruce Kelley Jr. This was a tragic outcome for everyone involved and no words can change that,â€? McLean said. On Jan. 31, Kelley and his father, Bruce Kelley Sr., were involved in a confrontation with Port Authority officers at a gazebo near the East Busway in Wilkinsburg. After a physical altercation, Kelley Sr. was pepper sprayed, but his son fled. Police caught up with Kelley Jr. about 15 minutes later. He produced a 4-inch knife and refused orders to stop and drop the knife. O’Malley released Aren, and Kelley stabbed the dog. O’Malley and Ravotti fired. “According to (Ravotti), Kelley Jr. was also moving in the direction of (O’Malley),â€? Zappala wrote. “O’Malley drew his weapon and fired his weapon as did Officer Ravotti.â€? Officers had attempted numerous times to stop Kelley by way of Taser and pepper spray, to no avail, Zappala wrote. As one officer attempted to use a baton to knock the knife from Kelley’s hand, Kelley turned and raised the knife toward the officer, Zappala wrote. Zappala cited witness Danielle Smith, who had been visiting her cousin on Whitney Street, where Kelley was shot and killed. She told investigators Kelley looked “crazy and angry.â€? Attempts by the Tribune-Review to reach Smith Tuesday were not successful. Zappala noted that state law allows two justifications for use of deadly force: when an officer believes his or her or another’s life is in danger or at risk for serious injury, and when an officer believes the suspect has or will commit a felony, or is attempting to escape and has a deadly weapon, or otherwise indicates he will harm someone. Zappala said the fact that Kelley resisted arrest for nearly 20 minutes, coupled with the stabbing of Aren, indicated to officers the suspect would continue resisting with knife in hand. McLean said the department intends to “move forward from here by taking positive steps to make this a better environment for the community.â€? Staff writer Tony Raap contributed. Megan Guza is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 412-380-8519 or mguza@tribweb.com. Email Newsletters TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox.