By The Associated Press
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- A Lowcountry civil rights activist has called for the resignation of North Charleston’s police chief and a federal investigation of a police shooting that killed a 41-year-old man.
Witnesses say six police officers used excessive force when Asberry Wylder was shot after a standoff on a busy street near a Piggly Wiggly. Officers had responded to a call about shoplifting.
At least one witness said Wylder was shot a second time after he was in handcuffs. Deputy Coroner Rae Wooten said Wylder was shot once in the leg and once in the abdomen.
North Charleston Police Chief Jon Zumalt has denied witness reports, calling them “an absolute fabrication of what happened.” The State Law Enforcement Division is investigating the shooting.
Witnesses plan to hold a news conference Monday and a protest march to city hall from the site of Friday’s shooting is planned Saturday, said James Johnson, president of the Charleston chapter of the Rainbow/PUSH coalition.
Johnson called upon Zumalt to resign. He also said he would ask the U.S. Justice Department to conduct a civil rights investigation.
“We feel we’re not going to get any satisfaction with the locals or the state,” Johnson said.
Prosecutor Ralph Hoisington said the Justice Department can make a “parallel investigation,” along with the required SLED probe. Those who disagree with the findings can ask for an attorney general’s review, Hoisington said.