Deputy will not face charges in Valor Drive shooting

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The man killed after a standoff with New Hanover County Sheriff’s deputies had three guns on him when he was shot and killed.

New Hanover County District Attorney Ben David held a news conference this morning to reveal the facts of the case and announce no charges will be filed against the deputy who shot Joshua Bryant.

“Most use of force incidents involve apprehending suspects engaged in criminal activity. other times, however, a use of force arises where officers respond to a person in crisis,” David said. “Such was the case on June 4, 2018, when deputies from the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call for assistance regarding an individual threatening to take his own life and that of others.”

During the standoff, Bryant threatened law enforcement and pointed guns at them multiple times, David said. He broke windows with the guns and trashed the inside of the house.  David said Bryant refused to answer pleas that called for a peaceful surrender.

The district attorney then explained what led to the shooting.

After nine hours, Bryant came out of his house holding the guns; a .308 bolt action rifle, a 20 gauge shotgun and a .22 caliber revolver.

Bryant walked across the backyard shining a light and pointing a gun towards deputies at the front of the property. He than changed direction, making his way across the backyard.

Several deputies, including Det. Sean Dixon, were taking cover behind a fence. When Bryant, who was still holding a gun, turned the light on the fence where the deputies were taking cover, Dixon opened fire.

Bryant was hit three times and died from his injuries.

David said he and Sheriff Ed McMahon requested the SBI investigate so the outside agency could interview witnesses, collect evidence, and scrutinize the case.

After reviewing the investigation, the District Attorneys office has determined no officer will be criminally charged. David said the law is clear.

“Mr. Bryant’s actions threatened the lives of multiple deputies who were there to try to help him,” David said in a news release. “Detective Dixon acted appropriately under the law when he used deadly force to protect those around him.”