Residents demand answers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- One week after police shot and killed a suspect, people who live in the neighborhood are demanding answers.

Residents in the Lockwood neighborhood just north of uptown Charlotte met with police Tuesday night in an emotional, sometimes angry exchange. Some of the residents claimed they don't feel safe.

“I wasn't quite sure what happened,” Karmeta Mosley said.

“It appears not to be a justified shooting,” said Novella Simpson.

The residents attended a special homeowners' association meeting with police, looking for answers.

“I just want to know are we safe from the law officials? Are we safe?” asked Sabrina Ray.

The residents met with police after an officer shot and killed 21-year-old Aaron Winchester last week. Police say Winchester was running at the officer with a gun when the officer shot him twice in the back.

Some at the meeting question the police account, wondering why Winchester was shot in the back.

"You get intimidated by the police because you're not sure if they did the right thing,” Mosley said.

“The situation we're dealing with, emotion's always a part of it and we expect that,” said Capt. Bruce Bellamy with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

Ray said she worries her own 21-year-old son might not be safe around police.

“We shouldn’t have to live in fear,” Ray said.

“Some of the concerns, comments very strong, emotionally charged," Bellamy said. "I understand that. This was a tragic incident.”

Homicide detectives were also at Tuesday's meeting as they continue to investigate. Internal Affairs is conducting a separate investigation. And Winchester's family is considering asking the State Bureau of Investigations to do an independent investigation.

Meanwhile, Al Sharpton's National Action Network has said they will conduct their own investigation into Wnchester's death and depending on what they find, Sharpton may come to Charlotte next week.

A representative for the group says the family reached out to them last week for help.

"Something doesn't smell right; therefore somebody has to get some answers to some questions," said Skip Alston with the National Action Network. "Why was he shot in the back? Why did the police officers see fit to shoot him in the back?"

The family has also hired an attorney but will not comment on any pending lawsuit.