Kerrick Trial: Did Ofc. Kerrick Receive Conflicting Use of Force Training Techniques
[gtxvideo vid=”RNVP2jFW” playlist=”” pid=”Bbt3TRDe” thumb=”http://player.gtxcel.com/thumbs/RNVP2jFW.jpg” vtitle=”force training”]
CHARLOTTE, NC — Jurors are now taking into account two training techniques when deciding if Officer Wes Kerrick recklessly shot an unarmed Jonathan Ferrell ten times.
“With the fact there could have been potential weapon there, there should have been cover with lethal force if need be,” said Lt. Eric Brady.
Lt. Brady was referring back to training he told Officer Kerrick in 2012 when Officer Kerrick and another officer faced a man they thought was armed.
He continued, “…and if you think he’s going for a weapon, then one of you needs to also be there with lethal force in the event it turns into a lethal situation.”
Capt. Mike Campagna testified Tuesday, “The decision to draw a firearm based on fact that other officer has drawn taser is not consistent with our policy.”
Capt. Campagna is Lt. Eric Brady’s superior. The defense argued he should leave the courtroom while other witnesses testify about the incident. The prosecution objected, but the judge asked the captain to leave.
He testified earlier that Officer Kerrick should have reholstered his gun and used other weapons to stop Ferrell.
“I wouldn’t have had time to holster my weapon,” Officer Kerrick is heard telling investigators in an interview after the shooting.
He told detectives Ferrell ran at him, ignored orders to get down before the first shots were fired.
“Even with me backing up, I mean… the only other option would’ve been for me to turn around and run,” said Officer Kerrick.
Officer Kerrick says he fell and Ferrell lunged on top of him and attempted to get his gun. Officer Kerrick told investigators he saw Ferrell had nothing in his hands, but continued shooting to keep Ferrell from getting to his gun.
The defense built its case, showing simulator training videos. Training Officer Kip White explained the scenarios.
Prosecutors pointed out: if there is doubt about a situation, officers shouldn’t shoot.
“That’s true,” said Officer White.
WCCB Charlotte Legal Contributor John Snyder says it’s a case of conflicting evidence.
“The jury then has to decide whether, basically, who is right,” said Snyder. “Once they decide who is right, then they’re going to apply that standard to Officer Kerrick.”
Snyder expects the defense will end its case by arguing if jurors can’t say how this happened, it’s reasonable doubt to acquit Officer Kerrick.
