Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The District Attorney’s office has announced that three Greensboro police officials will not face criminal charges following a fatal officer-involved shooting that took place in the parking lot of a BP gas station. The incident occurred on Friday, June 30, 2023, at approximately 9:55 p.m. when officers responded to reports of an individual armed with a machete in the area of Creek Ridge Road and Randleman Road.
Details of the Incident
The individual, later identified as 41-year-old Ernesto Ruiz, was confronted by multiple officers in the parking lot of the Family Fare Convenience store/BP gas station. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapons, Ruiz refused to comply and attempted to flee the scene. Officers pursued Ruiz, utilizing nonlethal measures and bilingual commands, as he ran towards a more populated area near the intersection of Randleman Road and Creek Ridge Road.
As Ruiz continued to brandish the machete and knife in a threatening manner, officers positioned themselves between Ruiz and nearby civilians. When Ruiz advanced towards the officers with the weapons raised, one sergeant and two officers discharged their firearms, striking Ruiz multiple times. He was subsequently transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Legal Justification
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation conducted a thorough review of the incident, which was corroborated by dash-cam footage and body-worn camera recordings. District Attorney Avery Crump determined that the use of deadly force by the officers was justified under both common law principles of self-defense and statutory provisions that permit law enforcement to defend against imminent deadly threats.
Conclusion
In a statement, District Attorney Crump emphasized that while criminal charges were not warranted in this case, the Greensboro Police Department should conduct an internal review to ensure compliance with departmental regulations. The decision to forego criminal prosecution was based on the circumstances of the incident and the officers’ actions in response to a potentially dangerous situation.
Overall, the outcome of this investigation highlights the complex nature of law enforcement encounters and the challenges faced by officers in high-stress situations. The community now awaits the results of the departmental review to provide further clarity on the actions taken by the involved officers.
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