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District Attorney Locke Bell announced Wednesday that the July 8th officer-involved shooting of Brittany Lynn has been ruled accidental.
Police say Gastonia Police Officer Stephen Whisnant accidentally fired his weapon while responding to a complaint at a home on S. Gray Street. Lynn, who was inside the home and sister to the suspect, was taken to CaroMont Regional Medical Center for treatment and released that same night.
The DA says no charges will be filed against Whisnant.
You can read the DA’s entire report here: DA Report On Gastonia PD Officer Involved Shooting
Gastonia Police Chief Robert Helton thanked the SBI for their assistance in conducting an independent investigation into the shooting. Chief Helton says the Gastonia Police Department can now begin wrapping up their internal investigation.
Officer Whisnant, who was placed on administrative leave after the incident, will remain on leave until the GPD can complete that investigation.
Officials say the body camera video will not be released at this time because it is part of an ongoing investigation involving Jarvis Lynn. Jarvis is the suspect officers were trying to serve warrants on when the shooting occurred.
Original Post (7/9/18):
GASTONIA, N.C. — Police have identified the suspect charged after an officer-involved shooting late Sunday night in Gastonia.
Police were reportedly trying to serve a warrant on 30-year-old Jarvis Lynn around 11:30 p.m. at 401 S. Gray Street when officers encountered an armed suspect. Officials say a shot was fired by Gastonia police officer Stephen Whisnant.
Brittany Lynn, who witnesses say is the suspect’s sister, was struck by gunfire. She was transported to Caromont Hospital and later released.
30-year-old Jarvis Lynn was arrested during the incident and charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Resisting a Public Officer, two counts of Assault on a Female, Breaking and Entering, Larceny, and Injury to Personal Property.
The officer who fired a gun has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.
The N.C. State Bureau Of Investigation and the Gastonia Police Department Office are investigating the shooting.
