28-year-old Daniel Kevin Harris of Charlotte, NC was shot and killed by a state trooper. Harris was driving and trooper Jermaine Saunders attempted to pull him over (likely for speeding). Harris continued driving and eventually stopped after the two cars collided. Harris exited his car and began to sign to the trooper. Apparently using sign language is something that police now fear, and trooper Saunders shot and killed Harris feet from his home.
According to police, detectives say Saunders and Harris got into “an encounter” before the officer killed him. However, according to neighbors, as soon as Harris got out of his vehicle, Saunders fired.“An encounter” is the official term being used during the investigation. Trooper Saunders is currently on administrative leave while the investigation goes on. I’m not entirely sure how much of an investigation needs to be done when detectives investigating the shooting have already said that Harris was attempting to communicate using sign language.
This is yet another example of a needless shooting by a police officer. Harris was clearly unarmed, and yet Trooper Saunders shot to kill. I cannot fathom how terrified Harris must have been during this whole thing. More than likely Harris was trying to get home to have a family member help him. It is outrageous that an office could not see that this man was trying to communicate using ASL.
I fear this investigation will not yield any kind of acceptable resolution for the family of Daniel Harris. Trooper Saunders should never be allowed to wear a badge again, and charges should be brought.
At the request of a comment/user, I have changed the title and removed ‘mute’. My apologies.