Highway trooper fatally shoots deaf man after speeding violation

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA — A deaf man was shot and killed by a North Carolina state trooper while trying to communicate with the officer using sign language after he was pulled over for a speeding violation.

Daniel Kevin Harris, 29, was killed in front of his house by Trooper Jermaine Saunders last Thursday night.

Authorities said the trooper tried to pull over Harris’s Volvo for speeding on Interstate 485 around 6:15 p.m., however Harris did not stop.

When Harris exited the highway using the Rocky River Road off ramp, troopers deliberately bumped his car to try to get him to stop, but Harris kept going according to WSOC TV.

Harris finally stopped on Seven Oaks Dr. only a few feet from his house.

Officials say Trooper Saunders and Harris got into “an encounter” before he fired his weapon.

Neighbors say Harris’ car spun out of control and was shot almost immediately after exiting his car, according to WCNC.

They say Harris was probably trying communicate to the officer using sign language before he was killed, according to WCNC.

Trooper Saunders has been placed on administrative leave while an investigation is carried out. Authorities say they will review dash and body cam videos.