The police officer, who fired shots that killed a knife wielding man on Levine Street in March 2017, has been cleared by a grand jury, according to a statement released by Passaic County prosecutor Camelia Valdes.

Police officer Frank Toledo was justified in his use of force, said authorities, that killed 37-year-old Ramon Andrade. On Mar. 2, 2017, Toledo and another officer responded to Levine and Main Streets to find Andrade behaving “erratically while holding a knife.”

Authorities said Andrade refused to comply with the police officers’ commands to show his hands. While the officers attempted to engage Andrade, he allegedly removed a knife from his pocket and lunged at Toledo’s partner, according to authorities.

Toledo’s partner’s name was not released by authorities.

Toledo fired three shots. Two of them struck Andrade. A knife was recovered at the scene, said authorities.

Andrade was taken to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center for medical care, but died on Mar. 16, 2017, according to authorities.

The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office conducted an investigation that included neighborhood canvassing, civilian and police witness statements, review of video footage, review of 911 and radio transmissions, submission of ballistic evidence, examination of physical evidence, and review of medical records.

Results of the investigation were presented to a Passaic County grand jury which declined to indict Toledo. Authorities released the statement the officer was cleared on Jan. 10, 2018.

Toledo had been working as a city police officer little less than three years at the time of the shooting. Police director Jerry Speziale on Friday would not say whether Toledo has been placed back on duty.

Speziale did not return a call for comment on Monday morning.

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