"A screwdriver is an edge weapon," Cpl. Greg Gillis said. "It is appropriate for (an officer) to manage that threat with his service pistol." The inquest is examining the January 2005 death of Matthew Dumas, an 18-year-old aboriginal who witnesses say lunged at police with a screwdriver.

Police and civilian witnesses have said Dumas ignored repeated warnings to drop his screwdriver, even after being pepper-sprayed by one officer.

Donald Worme, the lawyer for the Dumas family, suggested police had other options such as using a baton, or tackling or tripping the young man. But Gillis, who helps guide training for police forces in British Columbia, said those options would require police to get too close to an armed suspect.

"We tell people that armed persons should not get within 25 feet," he said.

Gillis also testified that police officers across the country are taught to use a weapon that is more powerful than the one held by a suspect in order to gain quick control of the situation.

In the end, Gillis blamed Dumas, saying his continued advances with the screwdriver drove the event toward its tragic end.

The incident started when police responded to reports of a robbery and break-in in Winnipeg's north end - a crime which it later turned out Dumas had nothing to do with.

Detective Jon Mateychuk testified he came across Dumas and tried to stop him, but Dumas hit him and ran away. Mateychuk caught up with him and a struggle ensued.

Another officer, Const. Dennis Gburek, saw the struggle and ran toward the two. It was at that point that Dumas, according to witnesses, started walking quickly toward Gburek. Gburek started backing up and warned he was going to shoot Dumas, while Mateychuk pepper-sprayed the young man to no effect.

Gburek told the inquiry Dumas got within two metres of him and had raised the screwdriver when he pulled the trigger. He was cleared of any wrongdoing in May 2007 by an Ontario Crown lawyer who recommended that no criminal charges be laid.

The shooting prompted cries of racism from some aboriginal leaders, despite the fact Gburek is Metis. They said Dumas was just one of many young aboriginals targeted by police because of their skin colour.

Lawyers for the city police and the Dumas family will present their final submissions Friday.