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CMPD: Homeowner shot, killed man who'd already shot woman

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police said a man has died after being shot by a neighbor who intervened in an argument Tuesday morning in the Belmont neighborhood, just northeast of uptown.

IMAGES: 2 shot in northeast Charlotte neighborhood

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said a man and woman were shot on Pegram Street around 9:30 a.m. Investigators told Channel 9 that the man and woman were driving in a car on Pegram Street and arguing.

During the argument, police said the man shot the woman in the leg, causing her to crash into a telephone pole.

Officers said both people got out of the car and that the man continued to shoot at the woman.

A neighbor was inside his house and heard the dispute happening. Officers said he came outside and shot the man.

The man who was shot and killed was identified as Degarrian Santonia Coleman, 31, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg police.

Sources told Channel 9 the neighbor who intervened and shot Coleman was former Mecklenburg County prosecutor Steve Sellers.

The woman was identified as Coleman’s grandmother.

Detectives do not believe the two involved in the shooting knew Sellers.

"He approached the ongoing argument and challenged the individual with a gun and at that time the suspect did not put down the gun and the homeowner shot the suspect," Lt. Luke Sell said.

The neighbor wasn't ready to talk to Channel 9 on camera, but people who live on the street said the neighbor is a nice guy, who they believe was playing the good Samaritan role.

"I watched him grow up and if it was something I ever needed he did it for me," said Andrea Booker, Coleman's cousin. 

She said she wishes the neighbor would not have used deadly force. 

Both people were rushed to Carolinas Medical Center, where officials said the man died. The woman is expected to survive.

Former prosecutor, now defense attorney, Brad Smith says it is legal under North Carolina law to intervene if someone's life is being threatened.

"You can step into that person's shoes and defend that person with force that is reasonably in proportion they are being threatened with," Smith said.

The case will be reviewed by the District Attorney's Office to determine if charges are to be filed.

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