Charlotte, NC, August 12, 2025
News Summary
In a recent incident in Charlotte, four police officers will not face criminal charges following the shooting death of Reggie Allen Knight. The District Attorney concluded that the officers acted in self-defense during their confrontation with Knight, who was armed and fired upon them. This decision highlights ongoing discussions around police practices, particularly in high-stress situations involving armed suspects. The officers involved suffered non-life-threatening injuries, while Knight was pronounced dead at the scene.
Charlotte – Four police officers involved in the shooting death of Reggie Allen Knight on March 7 will not face criminal charges. District Attorney Spencer Merriweather announced on August 11 that the officers acted in self-defense during the confrontation. This decision follows a thorough review of the incident, which resulted in Knight’s death at the scene.
The incident occurred around 4:40 p.m. when Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers attempted to arrest the 28-year-old Knight at his residence on Headquarters Farm Road. Knight was wanted on multiple charges, including possession of methamphetamine and various firearm offenses, as well as charges related to domestic violence and assault.
Upon the officers’ arrival, Knight attempted to flee from the scene while armed with a concealed handgun. He reportedly turned back and fired at the officers, striking two of them: one in the left thigh and the other in the belt area. Officer Michael Wilson, who was shot in the thigh, managed to subdue Knight during a struggle over the gun. The officers who returned fire included Austin Bartlow, Charles Lineberger, Jonathan Nicholas, and Michael Wilson Jr. Knight was pronounced dead at the scene following the exchange of gunfire.
The district attorney’s investigation concluded that the officers exhibited a reasonable fear for their safety, as evidence suggested that Knight posed an imminent threat. Merriweather emphasized that there was insufficient evidence to establish a “reasonable likelihood” of proving criminal charges against the officers in court. Evidence considered in the DA’s report included body-camera footage, 911 calls, and interviews with the officers involved in the incident.
Following the shooting, the two officers who were injured sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Officer Wilson was hospitalized due to his injury, while Officer Lineberger did not require any medical treatment.
Conflicting accounts about Knight’s behavior during the police encounter emerged. Initially, Knight’s mother claimed he was not at home when officers knocked at the door. However, it was later revealed that Knight attempted to escape through the back of the house, wearing sweatpants and no shirt, before engaging with the police.
This incident has sparked discussions about police protocols and officer safety in high-stress situations, particularly regarding suspects armed with firearms. The absence of charges against the officers involved is a reflection of the DA’s findings that they acted within their rights under self-defense laws.
Background Context
Reggie Allen Knight was already wanted on multiple charges prior to the confrontation, raising concerns amongst law enforcement about his criminal history. The decision to not pursue charges against the officers comes amidst a broader conversation about law enforcement practices and the complexities of managing armed suspects during arrests.
FAQ Section
Why will the four police officers not face charges?
The District Attorney concluded that the officers acted in self-defense, as they had a reasonable fear for their safety when confronted by Knight, who fired a weapon at them.
What were the injuries sustained by the officers?
Two officers sustained injuries; one officer was shot in the thigh and was hospitalized, while the other shot in the belt required no medical treatment.
What charges was Reggie Allen Knight facing?
Knight was wanted for multiple charges, including possession of methamphetamine, firearm offenses, domestic violence, and assault.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | March 7 |
| Location | 12524 Headquarters Farm Road, Charlotte |
| Victim | Reggie Allen Knight, 28 |
| Injured Officers | Michael Wilson, Charles Lineberger |
| Charges Against Knight | Possession of methamphetamine, firearm offenses, domestic violence, assault |
| Outcome | Officers not charged; Knight killed on the scene |
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum Local News: Charlotte Police Shooting
- WSOC TV: CMPD Officers Justified in Shooting
- WCNC: Charlotte Violent Weekend
- Charlotte Observer: Police Shooting Incident
- Axios: Noda Shooting Leaves One Paralyzed
- Wikipedia: Police Shooting
- Google Search: Charlotte Police Shooting
- Google Scholar: Police Protocol
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Brutality
- Google News: Charlotte Police Incident
Author: HERE Charlotte
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