Advertisement Fayetteville police internal investigation finds officers followed department policies in suspect shooting Report: Officers' actions "justified, lawful, and proper" Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Two Fayetteville police officers investigated after shooting a suspect who later died have been cleared in an internal investigation after police determined the officers followed department policy.According to a press release from the department, the officers' actions were "justified, lawful, and proper" in accordance with the department's use of deadly force policy. Suspect Willie Tillman was shot on April 23rd. Tillman died of his wounds on May 9th.READ: Fayetteville Police Department's use of force policyThe Washington County Sheriff's Office is conducting its own criminal investigation of the incident. The prosecutor's office tells 40/29 News that it hopes to complete the investigation by the end of the week.The following are the findings of the investigation report from the Fayetteville Police Department:According to the investigation report, Corporal Patrick Hanby and Officer Brandon Jones attempted to stop Tillman on College Avenue in Fayetteville on the morning of April 23rd. After exiting the vehicle, Tillman reentered and tried to drive away. Cpl. Hanby struggled with Tillman on the driver's side, while Ofc. Jones entered through the passenger side, according to the report.The report says Tillman was able to get the car shifted into drive and move the car forward with both officers inside. Hanby eventually let go of the vehicle as it drove slowly in a semi-circle. Still in a parking lot, Hanby and Jones both used their tasers against Tillman but to little effect.Soon after, Tillman was able to get the car into gear and drive out of the parking lot, with only Jones still inside. At this time, Tillman overpowered Jones, according to the report, and Jones fired one shot. After this failed to stop Tillman, Jones shot him two more times. Tillman lurched for the gun, and the two men fought over it before Jones shot him a fourth time.The vehicle came to a stop in a parking lot on Sunbridge Drive and Hanby caught up to the vehicle. Both officers were then able to secure him. Tillman was transported to Washington Regional Medical Center, where he remained until his death.Officer Jones was placed on leave following the shooting, per department policy. He is now back on duty.