Family of man killed by a Washington police officer considers hiring an attorney

An Eastern Carolina pastor says the family of a man fatally shot by a police officer is awaiting an investigative report to decide whether to hire a lawyer.

Pastor Marcus Miller of New Birth Christian Center in Washington said Cedric Pritchard's family is considering legal options but waiting for a pending State Bureau of Investigation report before deciding next steps.

Miller, who spoke to Cedric Pritchard's mother Wednesday afternoon, said his body was released to the family Tuesday night. He said the community has been peaceful in the aftermath of the shooting.

The Washington Police Department issued a statement saying Pritchard was shot Sunday afternoon during a traffic stop after he got out of his vehicle with a gun. North Carolina prison records show Pritchard had served time for felony robbery.

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Police have released more details after a man was shot and killed by a Washington police officer on Sunday.

The SBI is investigating the shooting that took place at the Washington Housing Authority Complex near the corner of 11th Street and Washington Street.

The shooting happened after an officer attempted to make a traffic stop along Washington Street at 3:59 p.m., according to Chief Stacy Drakeford.

Drakeford this afternoon confirmed the man shot was Cedric Pritchard, of Washington.

The chief says Pritchard got out of his vehicle with a gun as the officer approached. He said the officer ended up shooting the man.

Asked if the officer's dashcam or bodycam video captured the shooting, the chief said it has been turned over to the SBI.

The officer that had responded has now been placed on administrative leave, which is standard protocol for officer-involved shootings. The name of that officer hasn't been released.

“It is with great sadness that we are investigating an officer-involved shooting in our City," Drakeford said in a statement. "Today, a citizen of our community has lost his life, a family is grieving for their family member, and our law enforcement agency is saddened by these events. We ask that the community joins us as our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this tragic incident.”

Washington Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting, Chief Stacy Drakeford said.

No other information was immediately available.

We will keep you updated as we learn more.