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Charlotte mayoral candidates respond to officer-involved shooting

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — At least one of the candidates for Charlotte mayor is calling an officer-involved shooting a tragedy for which the city will have to show increased sensitivity.

Both Patrick Cannon and Edwin Peacock told Channel 9 their hearts go out to the victim's family and the family of the officer charged.

Republican candidate Peacock admitted the Police Department takes the use of force very seriously. He is calling for justice, for both family of Jon Ferrell family and the family of
Officer Randall Kerrick.

"We want to make sure that we do not jeopardize the presumption of innocence of our officer who has been charged," Peacock said.

Peacock noted the story is already making national headlines and wants residents to not jump to any conclusions before all the facts are out.

"On the surface, when you have a white officer and an African-American victim, that warrants great sensitivity and that is how we need to proceed," he said.

Democratic candidate Cannon did not want to go into details regarding the shooting because of his current position on City Council, but in a statement to Channel 9 Cannon said it will now be up to the courts to find justice.

"I have the utmost confidence in both the District Attorney and the CMPD offices to carry out what's in the best interest of the law that all should abide by," Cannon said.

While others grieve, some believe this is the right time to establish a citizen's review board to independently review CMPD cases like this one.

"I think anytime a referral is made to a council-appointed committee, that it's a positive signal of something happening in the best interest of our citizens who have made the request," Cannon said.

Peacock agreed.

City manager Ron Carlee was asked if city council will comment on the shooting death at Monday's city council meeting.

He said there is always a chance they could discuss it.

Eyewitness News will have more on the meeting at 10 and 11 p.m.