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Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Recently, the Guilford County District Attorney’s Office released its findings regarding the tragic incident where three Greensboro police officers shot and killed a man who was allegedly wielding a machete and knife at them. The investigation was initiated after the shooting took place in June 2023. According to reports from the Greensboro Police Department, the officers were responding to a call for service on June 30, 2023, in the area of Creek Ridge Road and Randleman Road.
Details of the Incident
Multiple officers arrived at the scene at the parking lot of the Family Fare convenience store/BP gas station situated at 2600 Randleman Road. The officers encountered the man, identified as Ernesto Ruiz, who was armed with a machete and a knife. Despite numerous commands in both English and Spanish to drop his weapons, Ruiz did not comply with the officers’ instructions.
Officers attempted to use non-lethal force, including pepper spray and tasers, to subdue Ruiz, but these measures were unsuccessful. As Ruiz started moving towards a more populated area, the officers surrounded him using marked and unmarked patrol vehicles to contain him.
Escalation of the Situation
Ruiz struck the hood of a patrol car with his weapons and attempted to flee but was blocked by the vehicle. Ignoring repeated demands to drop his weapons, Ruiz menacingly approached the officers with the machete raised. In response to the imminent threat, the three officers fired multiple shots at Ruiz, resulting in his death despite immediate life-saving measures being administered.
Investigative Findings
An investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation concluded that the use of deadly force by the officers was justified. The incident was captured on various dashcams and body-worn camera videos, providing crucial evidence for the investigation.
Conclusion
Based on these findings, the District Attorney’s Office decided not to recommend filing charges against the officers involved in the shooting. The tragic outcome of this incident underscores the challenging situations law enforcement officers face daily in the line of duty.
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