Officers involved in I-40 shooting cleared - video released
SMITHFIELD, North Carolina (WTVD) -- Johnston County District Attorney Susan Doyle released disturbing video Friday afternoon of two law enforcement officers shooting an armed Woman on the side of Interstate 40. The video accompanied Doyle's finding that "Under the circumstances observed by Trooper Jonathan Taylor and Deputy Taylor Davis, their use of deadly force was both reasonable and warranted."
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The dash-cam video shows officers pulling up next to a wrecked SUV on the shoulder of the interstate east of Benson.
When they get there, 50-year-old Tina Medlin is lying on the ground and the officer gets out of his car. He tells a bystander to get back because she reportedly has a gun.
"Let me see your hands," he can be heard telling her.
Medlin stands up and pulls a pistol from her waist area.
"Don't do it!" the officer tells her.
Medlin then shoots at officers and they return fire, knocking Medlin to the ground.
The shooting happened July 8. Medlin died three days later. Her family had no comment when ABC 11 reached out after the video was released.
Doyle said an investigation by the SBI shows Trooper J.L Taylor and Johnston County Deputy Taylor Davis were justified in using deadly force and have been cleared of any wrongdoing.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STATEMENT
The trooper involved in the shooting, Taylor, is still on administrative leave pending health evaluation. That will be the last step for him before he can return to active duty.
There was no immediate word on Johnston County Sheriff's Deputy Davis.
ABC11 has posted an edited version of the video that shows Medlin open fire (watch below).
ABC11 reached out to Doyle after her office released the decision but she'd already left for the weekend.
RELATED: Woman dies in officer-involved shooting on I-40 east of Benson
