Officer, deputy testify in Vassey trial

+WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Law enforcement officers who were there when Keith Vidal was shot and killed took the stand today, but there were some contradictions in their testimony.

Boiling Spring Lakes Police Corporal John Thomas and Deputy Samantha Lewis-Chavis each testified about what happened that day at Vidal’s home.

Thomas described a struggle with Vidal who was armed with a screwdriver identified as a potentially dangerous weapon in the courtroom. Chavis said she never remembered seeing Thomas on the ground with Vidal.

There was also conflicting information about whether Southport officer Bryon Vassey said something along the lines of I don’t have time for this. We either tase him or subdue him. Chavis said he said it while Thomas disagreed.

Chavis broke down as she described seeing the life leave Vidal’s eyes after Vasset shot and killed him.

The trial will resume tomorrow morning.