South Carolina police identify off-duty officer who shot, killed Winston-Salem man after parking lot fight
A Clemmons bar plans to help raise money for the victim's family
A Clemmons bar plans to help raise money for the victim's family
A Clemmons bar plans to help raise money for the victim's family
The off-duty South Carolina police officer, who shot and killed a Winston-Salem man after a parking lot fight, has been identified.
According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, it happened Wednesday afternoon in Berkeley County at a Chick-fil-A restaurant on North Main Street.
SLED officials say an off-duty Summerville Police Department officer, identified by the chief as Anthony DeLustro, engaged in an "altercation" before O'Neal was shot and killed at the scene.
DeLustro was taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
SLED was requested to be investigated by SPD, according to Chief Douglas Wright.
"I want to remind everyone that this procedure takes time. Please be patient and trust the process," Wright said in a statement.
Wright said Friday the situation is a "struggle for all involved."
"On behalf of the Summerville Police Department, we offer our thoughts and prayers to the O'Neal family for the tragic loss of their loved one, Michael. Yesterday, I spoke with Michael's parents and offered my sincere condolences," Wright said in a statement.
Public records show DeLustro started his law enforcement career at the New York City Police Department in 1980. He retired from NYPD in 2002. He held several other law enforcement duties until May 2022 before rejoining Summerville Police in 2023. He had worked there for two years from 2007-2009.
The reasoning, or motive, behind the parking lot altercation is not known. It's also not known why DeLustro fired the shot that killed O'Neal.
Friday, O'Neal's family released a statement asking for privacy. They also created a GoFundMe as they plan funeral arrangements.
On Saturday, Bodine's Bar, on Cephis Drive in Clemmons, is helping raise money for the O'Neal family. Bar staff say a percentage of Saturday's proceeds will be sent to the family's GoFundMe.
It's unknown if DeLustro will be charged in the case.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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