RALEIGH, N.C. – A suspect accused of shooting and killing a man in a Walmart parking lot will not face charges, announced Garner police on Friday. The shooting occurred on Tuesday at approximately 6 p.m., taking the life of 29-year-old Colton Valdez.
According to Garner police, Colton Valdez approached the other man and reportedly brandished a BB gun that closely resembled a real firearm. After a thorough review of the evidence, Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman stated, “After a complete review of the available evidence, we have determined that no charges are sustainable as the shooter acted in self-defense. North Carolina law allows an individual to protect themselves from the threat of imminent deadly harm.”
Freeman further emphasized, “This is not a license to commit vigilante justice, but it does allow for an individual to protect himself where there is a significant risk of death. In this case, independent accounts of others on the scene corroborated the determination that the shooter acted in self defense.”
The suspected shooter remained at the scene until law enforcement arrived and cooperated with the authorities during the questioning process. The police clarified that the shooter did not flee the scene and was willing to engage in the investigation.
The authorities confirmed that the shooting took place in the Walmart parking lot at 4500 Fayetteville Road. The case underscores the complexities of self-defense laws and the importance of a thorough examination of the evidence in such cases.
Colton Valdez’s death is a tragic loss, and the circumstances surrounding the incident bring to light the challenges in distinguishing between real and fake firearms in tense situations. The decision not to press charges against the shooter reflects the careful consideration of North Carolina’s self-defense laws and the specific circumstances of this case.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, it serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and abiding by the state’s self-defense laws. The outcome of this case may spark debates and discussions about the application of self-defense laws and their implications in similar scenarios.