PINEVILLE, N.C. — In a comprehensive review, the Mecklenburg County District Attorney concluded it is unlikely that a jury would find a Pineville Police officer criminally liable in the fatal shooting of Dennis Bodden, a suspected shoplifter. However, issues were raised about the officer’s handling of the incident, prompting further scrutiny and discussion regarding police conduct.
District Attorney Spencer Merriweather detailed the event in a 20-page report concerning the incident that occurred on May 14. According to Merriweather, Sgt. Adam Roberts, the officer involved, reported to dispatch that Bodden had attempted physical aggression against him. However, bodycam footage revealed no prior physical contact between Bodden and Roberts, showing Bodden with empty hands visible at the time.
Following the incident, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police investigators initially requested that Pineville Police refrain from allowing officers at the scene to watch their bodycam videos to ensure their statements would solely reflect their recall of events. Contrary to this suggestion, Pineville Police permitted the viewing of the footage.
Sgt. Roberts, despite being allowed, opted not to view his bodycam footage before his interview with the investigators. During this interrogation, Roberts stated that he drew his firearm as he was unable to discern whether Bodden had seized a taser from another officer, and purported that Bodden then attempted to take his gun, prompting Roberts to shoot.
Corine Mack, President of the Charlotte NAACP, expressed dismay and concern over the incident. “There is no excuse for this. He was in fear for his life, struggling, yet he was unarmed,” Mack remarked, demanding clarity on the threat level Bodden posed to the officers, who were both armed.
In an emotional response to the district attorney’s report, Bodden’s mother, Cleopatra Bodden, described her son as “an unarmed, Black attorney who was gunned down by a trigger-happy, rogue officer,” during an interview with WCCB News @ Ten anchor Morgan Fogarty.
The other officer at the scene, Officer Randall Down, who both watched his and Sgt. Roberts’ bodycam videos contrary to the guidance from CMPD and the DA, reported that he did not draw his weapon, believing Bodden’s actions did not warrant deadly force.
Amid the controversy, Pineville Police released a statement expressing their commitment to transparency and due process in such critical situations. The statement extended deep condolences to Bodden’s family, recognizing the immense hardship faced by the bereaved relatives.
The case has reignited questions about police accountability and the use of lethal force, particularly in interactions involving unarmed individuals. As the local and wider community grapple with the implications of this case, the balance between due process for law enforcement officers and the demand for justice from impacted families remains in the public discourse, signaling potential calls for reform and a revisitation of police training and engagement protocols.