Police Open Internal Investigation After Man’s Death

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police have opened an internal investigation after the death of a homeless man in Charlotte.

James Sim, 48, was found dead in January near the Galleria shopping center, after a two day search. He died of exposure.

Sims was reported missing a short time after he was arrested for trespassing at a Wal-Mart, and released onto the streets.

The night of the arrest, temperatures were in the teens.

A relative of Sims, who wanted to remain anonymous, said, “A part of me believes that there were good intentions, but it just may have turned out in a bad way. But either way, it’s not doing to bring Jack back.”

Some people have criticized the department and said Sims should have been taken into jail instead of being released into the cold.

Capt. Lisa Goelz said in that type of situation, the decision is left up to the officer’s discretion.

“It’s a fine line. We do have to balance the safety of that person while protecting the other citizens,” said Goelz.