CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Family, friends and neighbors gathered to remember Michael Laney during a vigil Sunday night sponsored by Mothers of Murdered Offspring.
"I'm hurt, I'm in pain," Laney's cousin Lakita Perkins said.
Laney was shot and killed by a CMPD officer last week.
The CMPD said that around 11:30 p.m. July 2, officers from the Metro division spotted a man driving a red scooter down Beatties Ford Road in Northwest Charlotte.
That scooter matched the description of one used in an armed robbery on June 25th. In that case, the victim was shot.
According to police, they tried to stop the man, later identified as Michael Deangelo Laney, but Laney took off on the scooter.
Officers gave chase.
Police tell us Laney ditched the scooter, and ran to his home located at 2317 Crestview Drive.
Police caught up to Laney, and they said a scuffle ensued. At that time, officials said Laney produced a handgun.
Officer Anthony Holzhauer who has been on the force since January 25, 2010, reportedly pulled his gun, and shot Laney. Laney died on the scene.
According to the CMPD, a gun was recovered at the shooting location, believed to be the suspect's.
As word of what happened filtered down to family members, dozens of people poured onto the street. Many were overwhelmed with anger, and were demanding answers.
"The police shot our cousin." said a very distraught Felisha Brown. "They're supposed to protect and serve...and don't."
"We were just looking at the news the other day, when a young white man shot (at) at cop, and he's still living right now today to talk about it." said George Johnson.
"This young man is dead...he's gone."
The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave, as per CMPD protocol.
In a press conference shortly after the shooting Chief Rodney Monroe called the incident "unforutnate" and said "It's not something that serves the department, the family of the victim or the community very well."
"It's unfortunate that we continue to confront individuals that seek to arm themselves and which ultimately in some cases results in deadly force...it got to a point the officer felt if he lost control of that situation...he or his partner could very well have been shot," Monroe said. "This is nothing anyone takes pride or glory in. A life was lost."
At the vigil, Perkins pointed to a photo on her shirt that shows her and Laney during Christmas a couple of years ago. A happier time.
"None of us are perfect…we all make bad choices..but he was wonderful person. I love him and miss him with all my heart," PErkins said.
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