Charleston County Sheriff's releases bodycam footage of ex-deputy's 3rd degree assault and battery
By: The Charleston County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) has released the body camera footage related to the high-speed chase that led to the firing of a Charleston County deputy.
Former deputy James Henry Carter III, 39, is charged with third degree assault and battery, as well as misconduct in office after allegedly assaulting Rashard Keithan Duncan during a chase.
The sheriff's office previously said they believe it's in the public's best interest to see the video themselves, but wouldn't be releasing the video until their internal investigation was completed.
In the video, Carter grabs Duncan and punches him repeatedly in the face. Carter accuses Duncan of reaching into his waistband while punching him.
After handcuffing Duncan, Carter says to him, "Enjoy that little nap?". The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) deemed this as Carter acknowledging Duncan lost consciousness; Duncan also told SLED agents that he lost consciousness from being struck.
Duncan is represented by state Rep. Marvin Pendarvis in the case. Pendarvis has called for the Department of Justice to investigate the CCSO.
Duncan was charged with resisting arrest, failure to stop for law enforcement, possessing cocaine, and reckless driving in connection to the incident, jail records show.