In a recent update concerning an incident from last year, former Halifax County deputy John Bozard faces an indictment for assault charges related to the shooting of an armed man during a standoff in Scotland Neck, Halifax County Sheriff Tyree Davis confirmed, indicating, "This indictment against Lt. Bozard is unfortunate, but I respect the process of the Grand Jury and their findings," in a statement obtained by ABC11.
The altercation, which took place on March 11, 2024, escalated into a three-hour standoff, resulting in Bozard, who was a lieutenant at the time, shooting 62-year-old James Melvin Lee Jr. who was reportedly armed with a handgun and making threats, Bozard's charge is assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) has confirmed according to WRAL News; details regarding additional charges have not been provided as of their latest report.
Bozard's action during the incident, where he deemed deadly force necessary to neutralize what he perceived as a threat to protect others, was met with support from Sheriff Davis, who remains steadfast in his backing of the indicted ex-deputy as the legal process unfolds, Davis said in a statement acquired by CBS17, "I will continue to stand by Lt. Bozard and support him throughout this process."
Lee, the man who was wounded, survived the encounter after being treated for his injuries at a hospital, Bozard, since the shooting, has been cooperative with the investigation, Sheriff Davis described this cooperation and his gratitude that the situation did not result in more serious injuries or fatalities, "I am thankful that no one was more seriously injured or lost their life during this incident,", the incident reflects the sheriff's office's commitment to protecting the community while grappling with the complex outcomes that emerge from confrontational crises according to WRAL News.
