MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — A Mecklenburg County Detention Center officer who was charged with assault was released from jail after a judge found no probable cause, the sheriff's office said. The office later said he was terminated from his position after a second arrest after police say they found probable cause along with the Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office.
The officer was arrested on May 18 following an incident at his home while he was off duty. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police were called to the home and charged the officer with assault on a female, communicating threats, and misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon.
The magistrate found no probable cause on the initial charges and released him. He had been with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office since May of 2016.
Earlier on Friday, Sheriff Garry McFadden said in a statement he was surprised by the charges against the officer and the magistrate's decision. Later in the day, McFadden sent a new statement condemning the now-former officer.
“After reviewing the reports, I was really disappointed in the actions of Mr. Kitt. As a public safety organization, MCSO requires all employees to demonstrate professional and ethical conduct both on and off-duty and we will continue to hold our staff accountable for their actions," he said.
Shortly after McFadden's statement was released, CMPD provided more information about the May 18 incident. The detention officer not only reportedly threatened a female victim, but also made similar threats to a male victim. The officer also is accused of hitting the male victim with his own gun, inflicting minor injuries. The office said they worked with the District Attorney's Office to present the case again to a magistrate, who then determined probable cause did exist. Warrants for the same charges as before were issued.
In a statement, CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings said “It is our duty to seek appropriate justice in all cases, and we felt this case needed to be re-visited to ensure that our victim received appropriate service from our agency.”
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