NC DA says cop justified in shooting UNC frat head

RALEIGH — A North Carolina prosecutor has concluded that a police officer was justified in the fatal shooting of a University of North Carolina fraternity president after a highway
stop in August.

Randolph County District Attorney Garland Yates said Friday the student had told a 911 dispatcher he had a pistol and hid his hands despite police orders. Yates said the officer fired after 21-year-old Courtland Smith suddenly drew his hand from behind his back while holding a black object.

Investigators found a cell phone but no gun.

The DA said Archdale police officer Jeremy Flinchum held his fire until Smith was just 10 feet away.

Recordings of Smith’s earlier 911 call reveal he told authorities he was trying to kill himself, had been drinking and was carrying a gun.

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