Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Florida A&M University says an unarmed man who was shot and killed by a police officer in North Carolina was a former football player at the school.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police say 24-year-old Jonathan A. Ferrell had apparently been in a wreck and was seeking help at a nearby house early Saturday. A woman answered the door and called 911.

Officers found Ferrell a short distance from the home and as they approached him, Ferrell ran toward the officers and was hit with a Taser. Police say he continued to run toward them when officer Randall Kerrick fired his gun, hitting Ferrell several times. Ferrell died at the scene.

FAMU Interim Athletic Director Michael Smith confirmed Sunday that Ferrell played the safety position in 2009-10.

Kerrick has been charged with voluntary manslaughter.

Copyright 2013 Associated Press