SBI Investigating In-Custody Death of Domestic Violence Suspect

Published on December 03, 2023

SBI Investigating In-Custody Death of Domestic Violence Suspect

Charlotte, N.C. – (Sunday, December 3, 2023) – The CMPD is reporting an in-custody death of a domestic violence suspect after he was transported by Medic to the hospital.

On December 3, 2023, at around 4:30 a.m., officers responded to the 4700 block of Palm Breeze Lane, in reference to a Check the Welfare call for service. Preliminary information indicates that the suspect was involved in a domestic violence incident, fired a weapon multiple times, and then left the scene in his vehicle prior to the officer’s arrival.

The suspect’s car was located nearby in the 5300 block of Windy Valley Drive after he had crashed into multiple vehicles and broke into a nearby residence. Officers approached the suspect who was acting erratically, and detained him using a “soft, empty hands” approach as detailed in CMPD’s response to resistance policy. Due to his erratic behavior, officers immediately called for Medic. The suspect was conscious when CFD arrived, however, during evaluation the suspect went into cardiac arrest and was transported by Medic to Atrium Main where he was pronounced deceased. Because the suspect was detained prior to transport, this would be considered an “in-custody” death.

A firearm was recovered at the scene. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations (NCSBI) is handling the in-custody death investigation. A CMPD Internal Affairs investigation is being conducted separately to review the officers’ actions and if policies and directives were followed. The CMPD’s Violent Crimes Division is investigating the initial crimes which led to the call for service.

For further information on this case please refer to the incident report 2023-1203-0430-02.