Police Officers Shoot, Kill Gun-Wielding Man In North Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC -- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is investigating two of its own after a Wednesday night officer shooting that left a man dead in north Charlotte.

CMPD Officers responded to a 911 call at the Hunters Pointe Apartments in the 1900 block of North Tryon Street in Charlotte around 9 p.m. Sept. 6, and found Ruben Galindo, 29, holding a gun outside the apartment complex, CMPD said in a statement.

“Officers gave multiple commands to the man to drop the weapon,” CMPD said in a statement Wednesday evening. “The man refused to drop the weapon and the officers perceived an imminent deadly threat.”(Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news in Charlotte — or other neighborhoods. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

CMPD officers Courtney Suggs and David Guerra fired their service weapons at Galindo. Paramedics responding pronounced Galindo dead on the scene.

According to WBTV, Galindo called 911 to say he had a gun. “Galindo was not speaking English when he called the emergency line, police say,” the station reported.

Immediately following the shooting, CMPD announced the case would be investigated by the Internal Affairs Bureau per department protocol and that Suggs and Guerra would be placed on administrative leave. Both officers are currently assigned to the North Tryon Division. Suggs has has been employed by CMPD since December 2014 and Guerra employed since April 2013, CMPD said.

“Tonight’s shooting is a tragedy,” Charlotte mayor Jennifer Roberts said Wednesday night. “I have spoken with the City Manager and Mayor Pro Tem Lyles, and we are working together with the Chief to make sure there is a full and transparent investigation. My heart breaks for the family.”

Thursday morning, Roberts pledged to monitor the investigation as she expressed support for CMPD officers and their families.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

CMPD asks that anyone with information about this case contact Homicide Detective Burkard at 704-432-TIPS, or call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Photos via Shutterfly

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