NAACP holding press conference after SC officer-involved shooting

Kristen Lambertsen

10 years ago

UPDATE: National Action Network, Coalition for Human Rights and the North Charleston Branch of the NAACP will hold a press conference on the police shooting of Walter Scott, Tuesday at 2 P.M. at the North Charleston City Hall.

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Police continue to investigate Saturday’s deadly officer involved shooting of a suspect near Craig Street and Remount Road.

According to the North Charleston Police Department spokesman, at 9:30 a.m. an officer conducted a traffic stop on the driver of a Mercedes Benz at Craig Street and Remount Road. The driver of the vehicle fled on foot down Craig Street with the officer in pursuit.

The officer deployed his department issued taser in an effort to detain the driver, which was not effective. An altercation between the officer and the driver took place leading to a struggle over the officer’s taser. During the struggle, the suspect gained control of the taser to use it against the Officer.

The Officer then discharged his service weapon to stop the threat.

Even though lifesaving efforts were conducted by officers prior to EMS’s arrival and EMS efforts on scene, the suspect was pronounced dead.

“Once we complete our interviews and obtain the results of any lab tests, our findings will be presented to the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office,” SLED told News 2. “They will determine what, if any, charges arise out of the shooting.”

North Charleston Police Chief Eddie Driggers says, “This is part of the job that no one likes and wishes would never happen. This type of situation is unfortunate and difficult for everyone. We are confident that SLED will conduct a complete and thorough investigation in to the incident and provide their findings to all concerned.”

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Attorney David Aylor issued the following statement on behalf of North Charleston police officer Michael Slager who was involved in the Saturday morning shooting:

“What started out as a routine traffic stop quickly escalated after the driver fled while his passenger remained in the car. A foot chase then started and when confronted Officer Slager reached for his Taser -as trained by the department, and then a struggle ensued as the driver tried to overpower Officer Slager in an effort to take his Taser who then felt threatened and reached for his department issued firearm and fired his weapon,” said defense attorney David Aylor. “This is a very tragic event for all of the families. I believe once the community hears all the facts of this shooting, they’ll have a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding this investigation. Officer Slager believes he followed all the proper procedures and policies of the North Charleston Police Department.”

Michael Slager previously served honorably in the United States Coast Guard before joining the North Charleston Police Department. Slager has had no disciplinary issues during his 5 years with the department. As SLED and the North Charleston Police Department continue to investigate this case, Mr. Aylor nor Officer Slager will have any further comment pending the outcome of the investigation.