Commonwealth’s Attorney talks about Police Officer indictment

By Scott Leamon
WSLS10 Reporter
Published: April 8, 2008

  Roanoke Commonwealth’s Attorney Don Caldwell said he felt it best to let a judge or jury decide whether a police shooting last February was justified.

  A Roanoke grand jury indicted Roanoke city police officer Daniel Meyer “unlawfully” shooting a teenager with the “intent” to disable or kill.

  The charge is a felony.

  Police said Meyer shot the teen last Valentine’s Day after a brief chase.  Police said the teen made a sudden move toward his waist.

  At a press conference later, police chief Joe Gaskins said no gun belonging to the teen had been recovered.

  Caldwell usually makes the call on officer involved shootings but said “this case is a much closer call” than others.

  Caldwell said, although he knows Meyer professionally, he chose not to recuse himself from the case.

  “Clearly [the indictment] is not an indicator the officer is guilty of a crime,“ Caldwell said.  “Just that he’s charged with a crime.“

  Caldwell said the decision to take the case before the grand jury was a difficult one.

  “These are really hard situations,“ he said.  “It’s not something I wish I had to deal with but unfortunately I do.“

  No trial date has been set.

  Roanoke police said Meyer would be on paid administrative leave until after his case is heard in court.