The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) released body-worn camera (BWC) video of the interaction that officers and first responders had with Mr. Jovontay Avery Williams (DOB 01/16/1990), that occurred on June 13, 2022. This footage was court ordered for release following a petition.
On June 13, 2022, at 1:58 a.m., a 911 caller in the 300 block of Featherstone Drive, stated that she heard multiple gunshots directly outside of her home. The caller, who was hiding in her closet, stated that someone may be attempting to break into her home. Officers responded to the call for service and located a shell casing and signs of a disturbance at the caller’s residence.
Shortly after, officers located the suspect, Jovontay Williams, who was acting erratically and exhibiting stress and delirium. Officers contacted Medic at this time because they realized the signs of medical distress.
Officers observed Williams attempting to break into another home in their presence, and used “soft, empty hands” approach as detailed in CMPD’s response to resistance policy to take him into custody. Charlotte Fire Department and Medic responded to the scene to assist. Williams was subsequently transported by Medic to Atrium University. He was later moved to a second hospital for more intensive care.
At the scene, officers recovered a firearm belonging to Mr. Williams, along with a shell casing that was determined to have been fired from this firearm. It was also determined that the initial residence was struck by gunfire during the incident.
On June 13, 2022, at 9:56 a.m., Mr. Williams was pronounced deceased while in the care of hospital staff at Northeast Medical Center. Although Mr. Williams died while in the care of medical staff, he was still under arrest, and law enforcement personnel were also present, classifying the incident as an in-custody death.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation completed an investigation of this incident. Their results were turned over to the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office. The District Attorney’s Office has issued a decision that no criminal charges will be filed related to this incident. CMPD Internal Affairs also conducted a parallel investigation and has concluded that there were no violations of CMPD policy, clearing the officers of any wrongdoing. The full medical examiner’s report and toxicology report are still pending.
For further information on this case please refer to the incident report 20220613-0158-02.
