CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A day after a man suspected of shoplifting from a Pineville Food Lion was shot and killed during an apparent fight with police, WCNC Charlotte is working to learn more about him.
The Pineville Police Department said in a news release Wednesday that 46-year-old Dennis Bodden of Charlotte initially ran from an off-duty officer as he tried to get away with stolen groceries. Bodden reportedly ran to an apartment complex across the road and within Charlotte city limits. He then got into a fight with the sergeant, and the officer used a stun gun, according to that news release.
However, the department said the stun gun wasn't effective and Bodden still ran as backup officers arrived. One officer tried using a stun gun again, but the department said Bodden tried to grab the sergeant's gun.
The off-duty sergeant then reportedly shot Bodden, killing him. As of now, the name of the sergeant has not been released publicly.
WCNC Charlotte reporter Julia Kauffman is reaching out to family and acquaintances to learn more about Bodden and his life before Tuesday's shooting. So far, police have shared more recent background on Bodden's criminal history.
Pineville Police said in a Wednesday news release Bodden had shoplifted from that Food Lion before, and had two outstanding felony warrants tied to the store. Those warrants were for breaking and entering and larceny.
The department also said Bodden was known to be violent toward police and members of the public.
Bodden has recent charges on his record for assaulting a woman, assault with a deadly weapon and communicating threats in April 2024. WCNC Charlotte spoke with the woman in this case. She lived near Bodden's apartment and said she feared for her life because of his erratic behavior. She alleged he attempted to break into her home, threatened her with a baseball bat and had severe mental health issues.
The woman said the entire situation is sad and unfortunate.
Since the Pineville Police Department says it knew Bodden well, Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP President Corine Mack is questioning why a crisis response team wasn't asked to respond to the incident.
"If in fact, and it looks as if that's the case, there are some mental health issues, where was the Pineville Police mental health crisis team?" Mack asked. "I believe if that team was deployed for this particular situation he would be alive today."
Despite Bodden's criminal history, Mack reminded the public he was a human being and didn't deserve to die.
"It's sad that shoplifting would end with the loss of life," Mack said.
As WCNC Charlotte works to learn more about Bodden beyond what's been released about him, we're asking anyone who knows him and wishes to share more to reach out to us.
When you're ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to desk@wcnc.com.