Family of man killed by police in Pineville demands full investigation

CHARLOTTE, NC — The family of the man who was shot and killed by a Pineville police officer outside a Food Lion after allegedly stealing food from the store is expected to speak publicly for the first time Monday.

Dennis Bodden, 46, was killed last month after the alleged shoplifting. It occurred on May 15 at the Food Lion on Johnston Road. Bodden’s family is now demanding a full investigation into the incident. The family and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP are scheduled to hold a press conference at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Headquarters.

Pineville police said Bodden fled from an off-duty officer with stolen groceries. He reportedly ran across the street into the Charlotte city limits. Investigators say Bodden was hit with a stun gun and shot as he reached for the sergeant’s gun during a struggle. Pineville police say he has a long criminal history and has displayed violent tendencies toward officers and the public.

A neighbor who recognized Bodden claimed he tried to break into her apartment. The woman also mentioned that he had severe mental health issues. Corine Mack, president of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP, questions the police response to the incident and believes more could have been done to prevent the tragedy.

“If there were indeed mental health issues, and that appears to be the case, where was the Pineville Police Department Mental Health Crisis Team?” Mack asked. “It’s sad that a shoplifting incident ends in a death.”

Bodden’s family is expected to provide more details about his mental health during Monday’s press conference and explain why they believe a full investigation into the shooting is necessary.

Contact Destiny Richards at [email protected] and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

WCNC Charlotte wants to hear from your loved one

If your loved one was affected by this incident, WCNC Charlotte hopes to make this process less painful with our “More Than a Number” initiative. With your help, we want to tell our viewers in North Carolina and South Carolina who your loved one was. When you’re ready, fill out the form below or send us photos, memories and other details about them to [email protected].

WCNC Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to to start your day with the team at WCNC Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart

All WCNC Charlotte podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon and other internet-enabled devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina or on the go..