WBTV reported that a man was shot outside his home off of Eastview Street in Hudson, NC.
The shooting occurred around 5:30 a.m. on Friday, September 9, 2022. The alleged victim called 911 and hung up, prompting the officers to respond to the home. The officers arrived and encountered the man they said was not willing to comply with their demands. The police chief reported that even though there was not a physical altercation, the officers were put in a position that warranted the use of deadly force.
Although the victim was not identified, he is known to live in the garage behind his parent's home. Police and witnesses say this is not the first time police have been called to the house. The two officers have been placed on administrative leave while the SBI investigates the incident.
Attorney contributor Kristen Beightol helps victims and their surviving family file police shooting lawsuits in North Carolina. During a recent discussion, Kristen discussed the legal rights available for the surviving family of wrongful death police shooting victims.
"Many laws protect individuals from law enforcement abuse, including the excessive use of force. If an officer takes things too far by using deadly force through the use of a firearm, it may be a violation of the victim's civil rights. An investigation will help to determine if the officer had a reasonable suspicion that the suspect was armed and dangerous. The severity of the crime that the suspect is believed to be committing, as well as whether the suspect poses an immediate threat to the officers or other people, are just a few of the factors that weigh into whether the officer's suspicion is reasonable in these cases. When an officer fails to follow policies that result in the wrongful death of a victim, they can be held liable."
"Victims or their surviving family members can learn more about their legal rights by discussing the case with an experienced attorney. The attorney will help to identify if their rights were violated. If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a police shooting, there are legal options for you to hold the responsible parties accountable."