Pedestrian was killed by a on duty police officer in uptown Charlotte

Saturday, July 8, 2017

A pedestrian identified as James Michael Short, 28,  was struck and killed by a on duty police officer in uptown Charlotte Saturday morning.

The officer that hit the pedestrian has been identified as Officer Phillip Barker. He was transported to Presbyterian Hospital where he is being treated for minor injuries sustained in the collision.

Police say three officers were on their way to a report of a car that hit a building when Barker, the lead officer, hit Short.

Investigators say they believe Barker had lights and sirens on when the accident happened.

“It was dark. There was no reflective gear that we can determine at this point however the clothing and all of that, we are still looking into that so there are some things that we have to make sure that we’re accurate on at this point but nothing to indicate there was reflective clothing out here on the scene,” said CMPD Deputy Chief Johnny Jennings.

CMPD Internal Affairs and the Major Crash Unit are investigating.