Deputy fired after kneeling on black man’s neck
A North Carolina sheriff’s deputy was fired after he was captured on video putting his knee on a black man’s neck, and a state agency is investigating the incident
PLYMOUTH, NC — A North Carolina sheriff’s deputy has been fired after he was captured on video placing his knee on a black man’s neck, and a state agency is investigating the incident.
Washington County Executive Curtis Potter said Deputy Aaron Edwards has not worked for the sheriff’s office since Tuesday, WITN reported. Potter could not be reached Friday for additional comment.
Sheriff Johnny Barnes said the deputy was fired after an internal investigation and review of body camera and security footage.
The man’s family provided video last week showing his arrest for possession of marijuana. According to the family, the arrest turned violent when a deputy put a knee on the man’s neck and left him lying at the entrance to the courthouse before he was dragged outside. inside. A woman could be heard on the video shouting “Oh my god!” and “Get help!”
A relative of the man was arrested as she attempted to intervene, according to the report.
Barnes said the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation was called to determine if criminal charges should be brought. The results of the investigation would be turned over to District Attorney Seth Edwards, the sheriff said.
ABC News
