Grand jury indicts Southport cop in shooting death of teen

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A Brunswick County Grand Jury has indicted Southport police officer Bryon Vassey on voluntary manslaughter charges in the death of Keith Vidal, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Vidal was shot and killed in Boiling Spring Lakes Jan. 5.

A judge set bond for Vassey at $50,000 secured. Ofc. Vassey has until noon Wednesday to turn himself in.

We spoke with Vidal’s father on the phone after the ruling. Mark Wilsey told us that the family is pleased with the ruling, but had hoped Officer Vassey would be charged with murder.

Two other officers involved, Ofc. John Thomas of the Boiling Spring Lakes Police Department and Dep. Samantha Lewis of the Brunswick County Sheriff’s office, were cleared of any criminal wrongdoing by an investigation by the SBI.

Vassey’s attorney has said Vidal was trying to stab one of the officers with a screwdriver during an altercation at his family’s home, and that Vassey acted appropriately. Records show Vassey shot Vidal less than two minutes after arriving at the home.

A news conference is scheduled at the DA’s Office tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. to discuss the case.