1 shot, killed by private security near Uptown transit center, CMPD says

CHARLOTTE — An investigation is underway after someone was shot and killed by a private security guard near the transit center Uptown, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

Around 12:30 a.m. Friday, someone called 911 for an assault with a deadly weapon on East Fourth Street near the Charlotte Transportation Center. The area is near the former EpiCentre, which is now the Queen City Quarter.

According to an update from CMPD Friday afternoon, two uniformed Allied security guards were dispatched near a loading dock at the Queen City Quarter for a report of someone causing a disturbance and urinating on a wall.

CMPD said the security guards found 24-year-old Kashaune Lavonne Teal and tried to detain him, but a struggle ensued. CMPD says Teal pulled out a gun, and a security officer shot him multiple times.

MEDIC said Teal died at the scene.

Channel 9′s Almiya White spoke with witnesses who said they saw the shooting happen.

“One of the security guards yelled and said, ‘Hey, he’s got a gun,’” said Khadijah Gill and Arielle Pruitt. “The security guard that was down beside him grabbed it. When he grabbed it, he threw it, it went off. When it went off, the other security guard just started shooting.”

The Allied employees weren’t identified by CMPD, and their employment status wasn’t known.

The big question is whether the shooting was justified, and that usually boils down to four things according to state law. Guards are only supposed to react if they’re in imminent danger, they can’t start the confrontation, the environment where it happened plays a role, and they’re not supposed to use excessive force.

In this case, CMPD said the guard perceived a deadly threat. They didn’t share how, but that will likely be a crucial factor in whether the guard will face charges.

CMPD did say the transit center is safe for anyone who might be using it Friday.

“It’s a safe place,” Maj. J.D. Thomas said. “This is an unfortunate, tragic event, but the officers are out here, CATS is serious about security.”

As police investigate the case, they asked anyone with information to call 704-432-TIPS. Det. Lyon is the lead detective.

Information can also be left anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or by clicking here.

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