Solicitor: No charges in CPD officer-involved shooting

A Columbia police officer will not face charges in the shooting death of a young black man in April.

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)– A Columbia police officer will not face charges in the shooting death of a young black man in April.

On Wednesday, Fifth Judicial Court Solicitor Byron Gipson said CPD officer Kevin Davis had reasonable belief that Joshua Ruffin, 17, posed an immediate threat.

“This narrative tragically fits right into the social commentary, as we read another young, black male dead at the hands of police. A white police officer, at that,” said Gipson.

Gipson detailed his independent review following SLED’s investigation of the officer-involved shooting. He ruled the use of force was justified.

“We are going to do justice. And we are going to earn the respect. Doing justice, as you know, doesn’t mean that you’re always going to be pleased with the decision that I make. But the decisions that I make will be based on law, and doing what we believe is right at all times,” said Gipson.

Bodycam footage was released, and in it, you can hear Davis telling Ruffin to ‘get on the ground.’

“I’m a parent. So it pains me to look at this video. It pains me to see some of the things that are happening. But we have to do a better job, all of us. So what we’ll do, is we’ll do justice,” said Gipson.

The footage then also shows Ruffin reaching down and getting a handgun, then pointing it at Davis.

“Ruffin reached down, and at some point secured a .45 caliber handgun. And as he secured that handgun, looked towards the officer, pointing it in his direction. And at that point, Officer Davis fired several rounds,” said Davis.

Gipson says Davis’ actions were justified, therefore, no charges will be filed.

“It’s my opinion, my legal opinion, that when Officer Davis fired his weapon, he had a reasonable belief that Mr. Ruffin posed an immediate threat capable of inflicting death or great bodily harm,” said Gipson.

Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook was at the press conference Wednesday, and says Davis remains on administrative duty until and internal review of Davis’ actions is complete. That’s expected to be done within a few days.

On April 8, CPD says officers responded to Monticello Rd. to a report of teenagers breaking into cars.

Police say the officer attempted to talk to Ruffin, who then began to ran away.

After a short chase, police say Ruffin pointed a gun at the officer at which time Ruffin was shot in the forehead.

Ruffin later died at the hospital from his wound.