Indictment delayed for Anthony Pierce

The grand jury decision on whether to indict Anthony Pierce has been put off until Tuesday morning.

Pierce was driving the vehicle Wilmington police officers were chasing the night Officer Rich Matthews crashed his car and died.

Matthews was responding as back up, and now prosecutors are trying to indict pierce on charges in connection to Matthews’ death.

At the very least, Anthony Pierce will be charged with felony fleeing to elude arrest, but prosecutors say those charges aren’t enough.

Just before pierce pulled his vehicle over for officers, they say he or his two companions threw contraband out of the car window.

Now, Pierce may be facing more serious charges than the already serious felony fleeing to elude arrest, and possession of marijuana.

“Charges through a grand jury, just like verdicts in trial cases, have to be based on the facts and the law,” said DA Ben David.

Cameras aren’t allowed in the grand jury room, but WPD officers and members of the District Attorney’s Office have been in and out of the room for most of the day.

Witnesses testified one by one, providing evidence in the case against Anthony Pierce.

The DA’s office could not confirm exactly what charges they are pursuing, but one North Carolina law that could apply in this case is felony murder. That comes into play when someone loses their life attempting to stop a felony from being committed, which could be argued was the case with Officer Matthews.