Officers not charged in deadly shooting in New Hanover County

NEW HANOVER COUNTY NC (WWAY) –Three detectives who shot and killed a man following a police chase in Wilmington will not face charges.

During a news conference Friday morning, New Hanover County District Attorney Ben David discussed the shooting of Steven Ryan Todd, 34.

David says on June 13 Todd stole a truck and a boat. He ditched the boat in downtown Wilmington after almost hitting an officer at the boat ramp at Dram Tree Park, then led police on a high-speed chase. Police called it off, but issued an arrest warrant and a BOLO (be on the lookout) for Todd.

That night, detectives with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office were briefed about the events of the day.

At 11pm, they spotted Todd at Wilshire and College Road. Several officers in the are tried to stop Todd. They eventually hit his truck and he crashed near the Harris Teeter.

According to the Statement of Facts provided by the district attorney’s office, a detective heard the engine of the truck revving as they got into position near the vehicle.

The officers opened the truck’s door and commanded Todd to show his hands, but instead, officers say Todd began reaching for something in the truck. The statement says officers repeated their commands and Todd continued to reach for something.

The three detectives fired 51 shots, hitting Todd 28 times.

“The picture that emerges from me viewing all of this evidence is clear. Todd’s actions threatened the lives of multiple deputies and citizens in New Hanover County. Detectives acted appropriately under the law when they used deadly force to protect themselves and those around them,” District Attorney Ben David said.

David said Todd had a loaded weapon in the area of the truck where he was reaching. There was also a loaded shotgun in the back of the truck.

The SBI were called in to investigate.

David said he, along with senior Assistant District Attorneys in the Sixth Prosecutorial Judicial District who make up the “officer shooting review team,” reviewed the
investigation conducted by the SBI. After reviewing the facts and the law, his office determined no officer will be criminally charged.