District attorney: Brunswick deputy justified in fatal Leland shooting

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — The Brunswick County District Attorney has ruled that a deputy was justified in a deadly officer-involved shooting that happened last month in Leland.

According to District Attorney Jon David, deputies with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office responded to a trespassing call around 3 a.m. on September 22 at the Marathon Gas station on Mercantile Drive.

Deputies Aaryn Carter and John Loyd made contact with a man later identified as 35-year-old Brandon Wayne Taylor. Officials say Taylor was uncooperative and became agitated, leading to a foot chase.

During the chase, Deputy Carter attempted to use his Taser, but investigators say Taylor, who was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior felony conviction, pulled out a gun and fired, hitting Carter twice. Carter then returned fire, striking Taylor four times. Taylor was pronounced dead at the scene. Deputy Loyd did not fire his weapon.

An independent investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is complete and the district attorney’s office has viewed body camera footage, witness statements, and physical evidence. The district attorney’s office concluded that Deputy Carter’s use of deadly force was lawful and necessary to protect himself and Deputy Loyd.

“It is always unfortunate when an officer-citizen encounter results in a loss of life,” said District Attorney Jon David. “Based on the facts and circumstances of this case, Deputy Carter was justified in responding to a deadly threat and was wounded in the line of duty while performing his duties. But for the grace of God and the protection of his bulletproof vest, he may very well have lost his own life.”

David said he has informed Taylor’s family of the decision and offered to make the investigative file available for review by a civil attorney representing them.