Authorities in Western North Carolina say, a deadly officer involved shooting last week was justified. On the night of July 3rd, North Carolina State Trooper Jeff Dunlap stopped to check on a stranded motorist along I-26 near Long Shoals Road in Buncombe County.
Investigators say the motorist, 57 year old Wesley Scott Taylor pulled a gun and shot Dunlap in the chest. The Trooper's vest stopped the bullet and Dunlap returned fire, killing Taylor.
Buncombe County District Attorney Todd Williams released a statement Tuesday saying that Dunlap was justified in returning fire to defend himself. Williams say he reviewed the dashcam video and it clearly showed Taylor pointing a gun at Dunlap. A photo of the bullet recovered from Dunlap's vest was released by the DA's Office.
Williams says, no charges will be filed following the incident.
There has been word from officials on what may have led the suspect to fire at the Trooper.