Officer Testifies He Tased Jonathan Ferrell In Self-Defense

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CHARLOTTE, NC — Before Wes Kerrick took the stand, the defense called Officer Thornell Little, who testified that he tased Jonathan Ferrell in self-defense.  WCCB’S Amy Cowman continues our WCCB Trial Team coverage live from Uptown.

The state did not call Officer Little to the stand, but it was suspected the defense would to back up Officer Kerrick’s story of self-defense, and that’s exactly what he did.

“He walks towards me and I hear him say ‘shoot me’ twice,” said Little.

Officer Little testified when he saw Jonathan Ferrell for the first time, he was pacing, slapping his thighs and walking toward him ignoring commands to stop, so he felt he needed to fire his taser.

“His behavior was erratic, and I believe his intent was injuring officers,” said Officer Little.

But he says Ferrell didn’t stop.

“He was running straight at Officer Kerrick, appeared he was trying to knock him over,” said Officer Little.  “It was full-pace run towards him.”

“And then he disappeared?” asked the defense attorney.

“Yes,” answered Officer Little.

“Both of them?” asked the attorney.

“Yes,” answered Little.

In cross examination, the state asked Little why he never identified himself before taking action.

“You’re saying that Jonathan had time to sit on a rock, but you didn’t have any time to speak to him, is that correct?” asked the state attorney.

“Yes,” answered Little.

Then the state played the dash cam video, asking when Little heard Ferrell screaming or pacing, since you can’t see it in the video.

“Where did you see him on this video patting his thighs and running around in circles?” asked the attorney.

“From that viewpoint I don’t see it,” said Little.

The defense redirected that claim.

“Before you encountered the suspect, did you see him doing things?” asked defense attorney Michael Greene.

“Yes, he was pacing, he was hitting his hands to his laps,” said Little.

“And was that on video?”

“No.”

“Did it happen?”

“Yes.”

Later the defense played audio from an on-scene walk through with Officer Little where he explained why he never pulled or fired his weapon.  He said he had his hand on his holster, but it happened to fast to draw his weapon.