Keith Scott Shooting: Officer Brentley Vinson Will Not Face Charges

According to North Carolina prosecutors, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police Officer Brentley Vinson acted lawfully when he fatally shot African-American Keith Lamont Scott, in September, and will not face charges.

The shooting triggered several nights of protests across the city.

Keith Scott’s family say he was unarmed but police insist he had a gun.

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In the bodycam and dashcam footage of the shooting released by police, it is unclear if there is anything in Keith Scott’s hands.

At a news conference following the ruling on November 30, prosecutors revealed surveillance footage from a nearby shop of Keith Scott showing the apparent outline of holstered gun on his ankle.

The footage shows Keith Scott getting out of his car to go into the shop and then getting back into his car.

Prosecutors say Keith Scott then parked in the car park at the apartment complex, beside officers.

Plainclothes officers had gone to the complex to look for a suspect with an outstanding warrant – not Keith Scott.

Officers say Keith Scott then proceeded to smoke a joint and hold up a semi-automatic hand gun.

Keith Scott then exited the car when officers approached, they say. At that point they deemed Keith Scott a threat and Officer Brentley Vinson fired his weapon.

Keith Scott was pronounced dead later at a local hospital from gunshot wounds to his back and abdomen.