HAYS, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas police officer was found justified in shooting an autistic man who tried to take his gun away, but the victim’s family says things might have turned out differently if the officer had been aware of the man’s mental issues.

Joseph “Joey” Weber was fatally shot by a Hays police officer Aug. 18 after grabbing the officer’s gun as the officer tried to take him into custody.

Weber’s family is pushing for a new law that would allow people to include on their vehicle registration information any mental and physical conditions that might cause erratic behavior.

Salina attorney Ken Wasserman, who represents Weber’s family, says there was nothing about Weber’s appearance that would have indicated to an officer that he had mental health issues.
RELATED: With KBI investigation complete, Hays police chief discusses procedure following Aug. 18 shooting.