ERIE, Pa.—Authorities in western Pennsylvania have released the name of a man shot and killed by an Erie police officer after authorities said he pointed a weapon at police.

The Erie Times-News ( http://bit.ly/PEaDo4) says Coroner Lyell Cook said Friday that 53-year-old James Burns of Erie died of a gunshot wound to the head. Cook ruled the death a homicide.

Police said two Erie officers patrolling on bicycles encountered Burns just after 10 p.m. Wednesday after a report of a man with a gun.

Authorities said the officers ordered Burns to drop the weapon, but he refused to comply. Police say he then pointed a .32-caliber semi-automatic weapon at the officers, and one of them fired twice.

Police Chief Steve Franklin and Mayor Joe Sinnott both called the shooting justified Thursday.

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Information from: Erie Times-News, http://www.goerie.com