Identities Released In Fatal Police Shooting In Charlotte

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police and neighbors were left looking for answers after an officer shot and killed a man after a brief altercation in a north Charlotte community early Tuesday afternoon.

Police identified the victim late Tuesday night as Aaron Quentin Winchester, who was shot on Sylvania Avenue at about 1 p.m.

Police said two officers were responding to a domestic violence call when they confronted a man fitting the description on Sylvania Avenue. Police said Officer Jester stopped his patrol vehicle and approached Winchester to begin questioning him about the incident.

According to a police statement, Winchester took off running on Sylvania Avenue towards Graham Street. Officer Jester began shouting commands to Winchester. As he was running, Winchester reached back with his right hand to remove something from the back right pocket of his pants. When Officer Jester saw Winchester remove a silver handgun from his pocket, Officer Jester fired four shots, hitting Winchester in the back twice, killing him.

One neighbor told Eyewitness News he saw the shooting, and he said Winchester was shot as he ran away from officers.

Police said they did find a revolver near where Winchester fell. They have not said if he was holding the gun or pointing it at police.

Some neighbors in the Lockwood community between North Tryon and North Graham streets said they question the police version of events, and the president of the neighborhood association, Christopher Dennis, appealed for calm.

"We know something happened out here," Dennis said. "We're not sure what yet, but we want to let everyone know we'll find out."

Officer Jester will be on administrative leave while they investigate the case.