Bodycam and Surveillance Footage Show Officers Responded to Perceived Deadly Threat During Gastonia Encounter
Authorities in Gastonia have officially cleared two police officers involved in a fatal January shooting after investigators determined the officers acted in self-defense when confronted by a man wielding what appeared to be a real handgun.
The incident, captured on both body-worn cameras and nearby security footage, ended with officers fatally shooting Derrick Terrell Manigault during a tense confrontation while they were conducting an unrelated investigation.
Confrontation Escalated Quickly During Investigation
According to investigators, the two plainclothes officers were working in the area when Manigault allegedly produced what appeared to be a handgun and began threatening another individual nearby.
Authorities say Manigault repeatedly confronted a customer while aggressively asking:
“Are you trying to lose your life tonight?”
Officials stated the threat was made multiple times, escalating concerns that deadly violence was imminent.
Replica Weapon Appeared Identical to Real Firearm
Investigators later determined that the weapon involved was not a functioning firearm but instead a black plastic Strike Industries replica gun.
However, officials emphasized that:
The replica lacked the standard orange safety tip often found on toy or imitation firearms
The object closely resembled a real handgun
It contained gold-colored plastic rounds and a plastic casing
Officers and witnesses had no immediate way to distinguish it from a lethal weapon during the confrontation
Authorities stated the replica was intentionally presented in a manner consistent with a real firearm.
District Attorney Declines Charges Against Officers
Following a review of bodycam footage, surveillance video, witness statements, and forensic evidence, Gaston County prosecutors concluded the officers acted lawfully under the circumstances.
Travis Page announced that no criminal charges would be filed against the officers involved.
According to the district attorney’s findings, the officers faced what appeared to be a credible and immediate deadly threat and were justified in using force to protect themselves and others nearby.
Officials noted that the law does not require officers to wait until a weapon is confirmed to be real before responding to an apparent lethal threat.
Case Renews Debate Over Replica Firearms
The incident has renewed public discussion surrounding realistic imitation firearms and the dangers they can pose during encounters with law enforcement.
Authorities stressed that replica weapons designed to closely mimic real firearms can create life-threatening confusion in rapidly evolving situations where officers and civilians must make split-second decisions.
Investigation Officially Closed
With prosecutors declining charges and investigators concluding the officers acted within the law, the case has been formally closed.
Officials say the released footage and investigative findings provide a detailed account of the events leading up to the fatal shooting.
