Meck. Co. detention officer fired, re-arrested after charges initially dropped

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - A Mecklenburg County magistrate found no probable cause in a case related to an assault arrest of a county detention officer, only for the same officer to be re-arrested Friday evening.

Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office said Jaquan Kitt, who had been with the department since 2016, was arrested after an off-duty incident took place at his home.

Kitt was arrested by Charlotte-Mecklenburg police and charged with assault on a female, communicating threats and assault with a deadly weapon.

He was initially released after the magistrate found no probable cause on all charges.

Kitt is also accused of verbally communicating threats to a male victim and assaulting the male victim by striking him in the head multiple times with the butt of his gun. The male victim suffered minor injuries.

MCSO terminated Kitt’s employment on Friday evening after conducting an internal investigation.

“I was made aware of the supporting facts regarding this incident, and we have initiated an internal investigation,” said Sheriff Garry McFadden in a statement early Friday. “I was surprised by the alleged actions of Officer Kitt and the magistrate’s decision.”

“We will work with the District Attorney’s office and if there is evidence to support that Officer Kitt’s conduct during this incident has violated our policies or if it’s later determined that probable cause does exist and criminal charges are filed against Officer Kitt, we will take the appropriate action at that time.”

McFadden released another statement following the announcement of Kitt’s firing.

“Mr. Kitt’s actions are not a representation of this agency and certainly not what we expect of any employee of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office,” he said in a later statement.

“After reviewing the reports, I was really disappointed in the actions of Mr. Kitt. As a public safety organization, MCSO requires all employees to demonstrate professional and ethical conduct both on and off-duty and we will continue to hold our staff accountable for their actions.”

CMPD reviewed the case with the assistance of the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office on Friday. Detectives then re-approached the Mecklenburg County Magistrates’ Office, which determined probable cause did exist and issued four misdemeanor warrants.

Kitt was taken into custody without incident by officers with the University City Division and transported to the Mecklenburg County jail shortly after 5 p.m. Friday afternoon.

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