SALISBURY, N.C. — A Salisbury police officer will not face charges after authorities said he shot and killed Ferguson Laurent Jr. during a controversial no-knock warrant.
The State Bureau of Investigations released a 172-page report Wednesday on its findings into the deadly officer-involved shooting.
Investigators said that officers were serving a no-knock warrant November 2016 on East Lafeyette Street for drugs, weapons and stolen property after a three-month investigation. The type of warrant authorizes officers to go into a home unannounced.
(Ferguson Laurent)
The 172-page report broke down several reason that investigators concluded that the shooting was justified. It said that Officer Karl Boehm wore clothing that identified him as an officer, he announced several times "police department," "search warrant," and "get on the ground."
The review said that Laurent ignored those commands and shot at Boehm. As a result, Boehm fired back and shot and killed Laurent, according to the SBI report.
Boehm acted lawfully and did not violate any criminal laws, and therefore no criminal charges will be filed against him in the shooting death, according to the SBI.
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(Officer Karl Boehm)
The new development in the case has the community calling for an end to no-knock warrants.
"We want it gone, because it is a danger to not only police officers but also the citizens of this county," said community member Anthony Smith.
The Salisbury police chief defended the no-knock warrant in a news conference but also said policy changes are on the way. He said the special warrants are suspended for now and can only be used with either his approval or the deputy chief.
Rowan County District Attorney Brandy Cook said she offered all of the evidence and findings to Laurent's family's attorney so they can review it on their own.
"As we all move forward, my prayer for Rowan County is that we unite with the common goal of respect and understanding as we continue to strive for a justice system in which we all have complete and unwavering confidence," Cook said in a statement.
Salisbury city leaders have been preparing for the decision. They told Channel 9 last week that they met with faith leaders to talk about ways to calm any unrest that might occur.
As part of an open records request, city leaders sent Channel 9 some general threats they've heard pertaining to the Laurent case. Most of the emails came from a concerned citizen about what she has been hearing others talk about.
Some of those emails discussed gang members targeting violence at random people. The city's public information officer said other threats include blocking Interstate 85.
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