CHARLESTON, S.C. — One of Michael Slager’s old colleagues from the North Charleston Police Department testified at his murder trial Monday that someone fleeing from a crime scene could be considered a threat.
Slager faces 30 years to life if convicted in the death of Walter Scott who was shot five times in the back in quick succession as he fled from a traffic stop in April, 2015. The shooting was captured by a bystander on cellphone video.
Slager, 35, was charged with murder and fired from the department.
Jason Dandridge, the firearms training officer for North Charleston police, was asked under cross-examination by the prosecution if a suspect who was running away is considered a threat.
A suspect could be ‘‘if someone has tried to kill someone and they are fleeing to another area of potential victims,’’ Dandridge replied. Asked if North Charleston officers are trained to shoot someone in the back, he replied ‘‘if it’s needed.’’
Scott was unarmed.
Associated Press