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DA: Johnston County deputy won't be charged after shooting man in wrist during drug arrest

A deputy won't be charged after shooting a man during an arrest on May 5, 2021, according to Johnston County District Attorney Susan Doyle.

Posted Updated

By
Heather Leah
, WRAL multiplatform producer & Adam Owens, WRAL anchor/reporter
BENSON, N.C. — A deputy won't be charged after shooting a man during an arrest on May 5, 2021, according to Johnston County District Attorney Susan Doyle.

According to a press release issued Monday, the use of force used by Det. Michael Wilson with the Johnston County Sheriff's Office was both "reasonable and warranted."

Officials said Wilson shot Oshea Massey in the wrist on May 5, 2021, when Massey appeared to be reaching under a car seat for a gun during a search and arrest.

The bullet fired by Wilson struck Massey in the wrist, and he was rushed to the hospital. Once he was released, he was indicted for federal drug charges.

The district attorney's release referenced North Carolina law, which authorizes a law enforcement officer to use deadly force to defend himself or others if a person is believed to present an imminent threat of death of serious physical injury.

As a result, Wilson will not be charged.

The shooting occurred near 405 E. Branch Road in Benson.

Neighbors said there has been suspicious activity along this portion of Branch Road in the past. Because of this, they felt uncomfortable speaking on camera.

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