Charlotte, January 9, 2026
The family of Dennis Bodden, a Charlotte man shot by an off-duty officer, has filed a civil rights lawsuit seeking over $10 million. Allegations include excessive force and failure to de-escalate a mental health crisis. The incident, which took place during a shoplifting pursuit, raises questions about police conduct and adherence to departmental policies. This legal action comes after an official determination of justified force, prompting ongoing debates about accountability and mental health awareness in policing.
Charlotte – The family of Dennis Bodden, a Charlotte man fatally shot by an off-duty Pineville police officer in May 2024, has filed a civil rights lawsuit seeking more than $10 million in damages. The lawsuit, filed on January 8, 2026, in Mecklenburg County Superior Court, names the Town of Pineville, Sergeant Adam Daniel Roberts, and Officer Randall Down as defendants.
Lawsuit Alleges Wrongful Death and Excessive Force
The civil action, brought by Cleopatra Bodden on behalf of her deceased son’s estate, claims that officers Roberts and Down used excessive force, leading to Dennis Bodden’s death. It alleges violations of Bodden’s constitutional rights and the Pineville Police Department’s use-of-force policies. The lawsuit further contends that Bodden was unarmed and experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of the shooting, and that the officers failed to de-escalate the situation.
According to the complaint, Sergeant Roberts and Officer Down escalated the encounter “from a minor property offense to the use of deadly force” within approximately five minutes. It also highlights that after Bodden was shot, he was allegedly handcuffed and left face down without immediate medical attention for over 30 minutes.
The May 2024 Incident
The fatal incident occurred on May 14, 2024, originating in the parking lot of a south Charlotte Food Lion on Johnston Road. Sergeant Adam Daniel Roberts, who was off-duty and working as a security guard, initially confronted 46-year-old Dennis Bodden following a reported shoplifting incident.
Body camera footage reportedly shows Roberts pursuing Bodden on foot, repeatedly ordering him to stop. During the pursuit, Roberts deployed a Taser on Bodden, leading to a struggle where Bodden bit Roberts. Bodden then continued toward a nearby apartment complex, where he was again confronted by Roberts and Officer Randall Down, who had arrived as backup.
A second struggle ensued, during which Bodden reportedly punched Roberts with closed fists after Roberts pushed him. Bodden then charged at Officer Down and grabbed his radio, at which point Sergeant Roberts drew his firearm and shot Bodden multiple times.
Conflicting Narratives and Prior Investigations
The family’s lawsuit asserts that Roberts never confirmed the alleged theft with the store and that Bodden’s mental health crisis was evident. They argue that Bodden, a lawyer, Rutgers University and Cardozo School of Law graduate, and dedicated mental health advocate who volunteered on a suicide prevention hotline, needed patience and understanding rather than deadly force.
Conversely, the Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather concluded in July 2024 that the shooting was justified. The District Attorney’s office stated that Bodden appeared to be reaching for Sergeant Roberts’s gun, leading both officers to fear for their safety. Pineville police also alleged that Bodden had a lengthy criminal history, including charges for assaulting a woman, assault with a deadly weapon, and communicating threats in April 2024, and had shown violent tendencies.
Department Policies and Officer’s History
The lawsuit points to a Pineville Police Department policy that restricts officers’ authority outside the town’s territorial jurisdiction, where parts of the incident unfolded. It also cites a policy mandating the protection of human life above property and apprehension of offenders. Sergeant Roberts reportedly acknowledged to investigators that Bodden exhibited behavior consistent with a mental health crisis, including “disorientation, confusion, limited verbal responses, and difficulty processing commands,” which raised concerns about his mental capacity.
This incident is not Sergeant Roberts’s first fatal encounter; he was previously cleared of wrongdoing in a 2020 shooting in Pineville that injured another man. The Pineville Police Department has recently implemented a crisis co-responder unit, launched in July, following the May 2024 shooting.
The Town of Pineville and its police department have declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest news regarding the fatal shooting by an off-duty Pineville officer?
On January 8, 2026, the family of Dennis Bodden, who was fatally shot by an off-duty Pineville police officer in May 2024, filed a civil rights lawsuit seeking more than $10 million in damages.
Who is Dennis Bodden?
Dennis Bodden was a 46-year-old Charlotte man, an attorney, a graduate of Rutgers University and Cardozo School of Law, and a dedicated mental health advocate. He volunteered on a suicide prevention hotline and was reportedly experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of his death.
When and where did the shooting incident occur?
The shooting occurred on May 14, 2024, originating in the parking lot of a south Charlotte Food Lion on Johnston Road and escalating to a nearby apartment complex within Charlotte city limits.
Who are the officers involved in the lawsuit?
The lawsuit names Sergeant Adam Daniel Roberts, an off-duty Pineville police officer, and Officer Randall Down, a Pineville police officer who arrived as backup.
What are the main allegations in the lawsuit?
The lawsuit alleges wrongful death, excessive force, failure to intervene, constitutional violations, and violations of the Pineville Police Department’s use-of-force policies. It claims Bodden was unarmed and in a mental health crisis, and that officers failed to de-escalate or provide timely medical aid.
What was the official finding regarding the shooting by the District Attorney?
The Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather declined to file criminal charges against the officers, concluding in July 2024 that the shooting was justified as Bodden appeared to be reaching for Sergeant Roberts’s gun, causing officers to fear for their safety.
Has Sergeant Roberts been involved in similar incidents before?
Yes, Sergeant Roberts was previously cleared of wrongdoing in a 2020 shooting in Pineville that injured another man.
What is the Town of Pineville’s response to the lawsuit?
The Town of Pineville and its police department have declined to comment on the pending litigation.
Key Features of the Lawsuit and Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Lawsuit Filing Date | January 8, 2026 |
| Deceased Individual | Dennis Bodden, 46, Charlotte resident |
| Date of Shooting Incident | May 14, 2024 |
| Officers Named in Lawsuit | Sergeant Adam Daniel Roberts and Officer Randall Down (Pineville Police Department) |
| Defendants in Lawsuit | Town of Pineville, Sergeant Adam Daniel Roberts, Officer Randall Down |
| Lawsuit Amount Sought | More than $10 million in damages |
| Primary Allegations | Wrongful death, excessive force, failure to intervene, constitutional violations, disregard for mental health crisis, failure to render aid |
| Location of Incident | South Charlotte Food Lion parking lot on Johnston Road, escalating to a nearby apartment complex within Charlotte city limits |
| District Attorney’s Finding on Shooting | Justified; no criminal charges filed against officers (July 2024) |
| Sergeant Roberts’s Prior Incident | Cleared in a 2020 shooting in Pineville |
| Pineville PD Current Initiative | Crisis co-responder unit launched in July |
Now Happening on X
- @wsoctv (January 5, 2026, 7:30 AM) Civilian investigators are helping free up officers and improve crash response times in Charlotte. View on X
- @CharlotteTalks (January 8, 2026, 1:59 PM) Discussion roundup of recent news in Charlotte, including insights from local journalists on current events. View on X
- @theobserver (January 4, 2026, 7:00 AM) A homicide was discovered in Charlotte after a caller reported an assault early in the morning, according to CMPD. View on X
- @foxcarolinanews (January 3, 2026, 2:00 AM) Live coverage of a potential terrorist attack thwarted on New Year’s Eve in the Charlotte metro region. View on X
- @wbtradio (January 7, 2026, 6:53 AM) Coverage of possible irregularities in NC GOP primaries and suppressed CMPD body cam footage from a light rail incident. View on X
- @wis10 (January 3, 2026, 4:15 AM) Live stream on a potential terrorist attack prevented in the Charlotte metro area over New Year’s Eve. View on X
- @QuintinOnCamera (January 6, 2026, 3:18 PM) A juvenile was injured in a shooting in Charlotte, with the mother arrested for unlawful conduct toward a child by NCPD. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charlotte Takes Action on Public Safety Amid Rising Crime
Rick Carlisle Reaches 1,000 Career Wins with Pacers
Individual in Critical Condition After Stabbing in Charlotte
Charlotte Law Enforcement Continues to Combat Crime
Charlotte Man Sentenced for Multi-Million Dollar Ponzi Scheme
Authorities Renew Call for Information on Unsolved Homicide
Charlotte Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase
Panthers Defense Strengthened by Key Returns Before Playoff Clash
Man Arrested for Second-Degree Murder in Port Charlotte Shooting
Charlotte Kicker Lucas Carneiro Leads Ole Miss to Fiesta Bowl
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
