OTOH, why should a person who is capable of committing a strong-arm robbery upon a much smaller person be given the status of "unarmed" .. his size and strength were his weapons. On other threads, the perp of a s-a robbery would be called a "bully," and that is what he was doing to the storekeeper. The police officer is being demeaned, people are lusting for his death, other people are trying to "find something on him" to his detriment, his livelihood is in jeopardy, and his life. I feel that the attack upon the officer was caused by "knowledge of guilt" ... a few days away from starting college (we are given to understand), and that could slip away if he were arrested for the s-a robbery. MB did not know that DW was unaware of the robbery. That could have influenced MB's "state of mind" when stopped by DW. People are giving to DW because they WANT to, don't you think? Maybe because DW is the target of riots, threats, etc. I wonder if he could even perform the duties of a LEO after this. He did as he was trained to do under the circumstances, and just look at the chitstorm that has befallen him.
DW did not know whether MB had firearms, knives, other weapons, and apparently his vision was impaired by the blow he had received from MB. He might not have been able to focus clearly and therefore had fear for his life. So, he shot, as best he could, and in accordance with his training.
This is JMO.
I've kept pretty quiet on here, but want to say that I am sorry for all involved in this situation, EXCEPT agitators, rabble-rousers, professional demonstrators, and anyone else who doesn't protest in an orderly and meaningful fashion. And those who just lie as a means to an end.
Again ... just my opinion, more like just my thoughts. Opinions after we learn more about events.