Feds: No charges in police shooting of black man with BB gun

ROANOKE, Va. – Federal prosecutors say they won’t pursue criminal charges against two Roanoke County police officers who shot and killed a black man who was carrying a broken BB gun.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a news release Friday that there was not enough evidence to pursue civil rights charges in the Feb. 26 shooting.

Eighteen-year-old Kionte Spencer was shot and killed after police say he ignored their commands to drop a BB gun resembling a pistol. The officers’ names and races haven’t been released.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office says Spencer, who had been walking away from officers, turned and faced them. Prosecutors say Spencer began to raise both hands, including the hand with the BB gun. It was then that Spencer was shot.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles