A former police officer in South Carolina is awaiting a murder trial after a shooting incident that occurred in a fast-food restaurant parking lot following an off-duty fight. The 65-year-old ex-officer has been in jail since his arrest on April 10, with a judge currently considering whether to grant him bond.
The shooting took place on March 20 at a Chick-fil-A parking lot in Summerville. The altercation began when the former officer attempted to prevent a man from leaving the parking lot after a physical fight between the two. The ex-officer entered the victim's car and fired a shot as the man drove away, resulting in the victim's death.
During the bond hearing, the ex-officer's lawyer highlighted that his client, who had served as a police officer in New York City for 22 years before moving to South Carolina, was still recovering from injuries sustained during the parking lot altercation. The defense argued that the ex-officer posed no flight risk and was unlikely to engage in further violence, as per a doctor's evaluation.
On the other hand, the prosecution raised concerns about the ex-officer's temperamental issues and history of struggling with stress, anxiety, and anger. The solicitor urged the judge to keep the ex-officer in jail pending trial.
If convicted of murder, the ex-officer faces a sentence ranging from 30 years to life in prison. He was terminated from the Summerville Police Department following his arrest.
According to state agents, the ex-officer claimed self-defense, stating that he feared being trapped under the victim's moving vehicle. However, investigators noted that the victim did not pose a threat during the altercation and was unarmed. The altercation reportedly began with the ex-officer instigating the fight and using derogatory language towards the victim.
The incident escalated when the ex-officer's gun fell out of its holster during the scuffle. Subsequently, the ex-officer retrieved the weapon, entered the victim's car, and fired a fatal shot while seated in the passenger seat.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the judge is expected to make a decision on the ex-officer's bond status later this week, determining whether he will remain in custody or be released pending trial.
