RALEIGH, N.C. – A Raleigh Police officer’s actions are being called into question after he discharged a weapon during a traffic stop in which a man in a stolen car drove directly at him.

  • A Raleigh police officer is under investigation after shooting at a stolen vehicle.
  • The vehicle was driving at him, and the driver can be perceived as trying to run the officer over.
  • RPD Police Chief Cassandra Deck-Brown says the officer fired because he feared for his life.

At approximately 4:10 on the afternoon of Monday, Aug. 13 Sgt. S.A. Brown attempted to stop a stolen vehicle at the intersection of Merrywood Drive and Rock Quarry Road in Raleigh.

Moments later, another officer, Officer Vucich, arrived on the scene as well.

At this time Sgt. Brown activated his blue lights to command the driver of the stolen vehicle to step outside. At the same time, Officer Vucich exited his vehicle to assist Officer Brown.

The driver, who has now been identified as Ronie Demitri Hyman, then accelerated in the direction of Officer Vucich and Vucich fired his gun. No one was hit by the bullets.

A release from Police Chief C.L. Deck-Brown says Officer Vucich only fired because he felt his life was in danger.

“Officer Vucich, believing that Mr. Hyman was attempting to strike him with the stolen vehicle, quickly backed away from the rapidly advancing vehicle,” says Brown. “[He] drew his weapon and fired two shots at the vehicle. As can be seen in the video links below, this sequence of events unfolded very rapidly. Mr. Hyman, who was not struck by any rounds, fled the scene and Officer Vucich and Sgt. Brown pursued him."

As is standard protocol for all officer-involved shootings, the Wake County District Attorney's office is currently reviewing the criminal investigation into Officer Vucich’s actions. Additionally, the Internal Affairs Division of the Raleigh Police Department is conducting an administrative review of the incident and will determine whether departmental policies were violated.

The videos below show the full encounter.

Warning: Mature language is used in these videos.

Dash Cam:

 

Body Cam:

 

 

Nearby Store Footage:

 

 

Panoramic Footage:

 

 

 

 
 
 
 

Get the latest news, sports and weather delivered straight to your inbox. Click here to sign up for email and text alerts.