VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- Virginia Beach police officers have been cleared in the February fatal shooting of a 26-year-old suspect during a chase.

Commonwealth's Attorney Harvey Bryant released a letter Thursday saying that the three officers were justified because the suspect aimed a gun at them before being shot seven times. The suspect, Charleston Detron Newby of Virginia Beach, did not fire his weapon.

The Virginian-Pilot reports Newby was a convicted felon and could not legally possess a firearm.

According to Bryant's report, officers responding to a domestic violence call saw Newby speed off in an SUV. After a chase, the SUV struck a patrol car and Newby got out. Newby ran down an alley and was shot after ignoring officers' commands to stop.