Black box reveals off-duty deputy's truck did not make impact with man before fatal shooting

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Monday, January 10, 2022
March, protest held in Fayetteville after man shot by off-duty deputy
Friends and family of a Fayetteville man who was shot and killed Saturday by an off-duty deputy protested with a march to City Hall.

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Friends and family of a Fayetteville man who was shot and killed by an off-duty Cumberland County deputy on Saturday protested with a march to City Hall on Sunday.

Fayetteville Police Chief Gina Hawkins and Cumberland County Attorney Billy West held a briefing Sunday afternoon regarding the shooting of 37-year-old Jason Walker that happened on Bingham Drive.

Jason Walker

In that press briefing, Hawkins said the truck's "black box," or on-board computer, showed it did not register any impact to the vehicle by "any person or thing."

The initial report from the police department said, 'the preliminary investigation has revealed an adult male ran into traffic and jumped on a moving vehicle."

According to Hawkins on Sunday, the lone eyewitness so far told Fayetteville Police Department that the man was not struck by the vehicle.

Investigators noted that a windshield wiper had been torn off of the truck and the metal portion was used to break the truck's windshield in several places, Hawkins said.

The confusion around what exactly happened is why Hawkins urges anyone with information to come forward. She said investigators need to evaluate all physical evidence, statements and eyewitness accounts so they can present it to the district attorney.

"We would like to hear from anyone who saw what happened," Hawkins said. "It is critical that anyone who saw the incident come forward and share what they saw with SBI."

The deputy's name is not being released; he was taken into custody and processed. Hawkins stressed the deputy is being treated like "any other citizen."

Hawkins said she asked the State Bureau of Investigation to take the lead in the investigation.

Hawkins also asked the public to have patience with the process.

"Anytime a death occurs, the community should be upset," Hawkins said, but she cautioned against believing unverified rumors and postings on social media.