Carlos Alverto Uribe, a 28-year-old lieutenant with the Newton Police Department in North Carolina, is facing severe legal repercussions following the fatal shooting of a motorcyclist in June. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has charged Uribe with second-degree murder. Uribe is currently on administrative leave without pay from the police department.
The SBI began an investigation into Uribe’s actions at the request of his department after the death of 21-year-old Camden Childers. The fatal shooting occurred during a traffic stop that escalated after several high-speed pursuits, according to the Newton Police Department.
The SBI presented its findings to the Catawba County District Attorney’s Office, which indicted Uribe earlier this week. Uribe surrendered himself shortly after the indictment. The investigation included body-worn camera footage, dash camera footage, witness interviews, and other investigative materials.
Catawba County District Attorney Scott Reilly stated that Uribe’s use of force was not legally justified. Reilly also noted that he had reviewed 15 different incidents over six years where police officers discharged their firearms, and each time found the use of force to be legally justified. However, he emphasized that when excessive or unlawful force results in a loss of life, accountability is required, regardless of profession or position.
The incident in question occurred just before midnight when Childers, riding a motorcycle, was signaled to pull over for various violations, including failure to display a registration plate, speeding, and reckless driving. Childers did not comply, leading to three separate chases that night. The pursuit ended when the motorcycle collided with a patrol vehicle in a cul-de-sac in Conover, about 45 miles northwest of Charlotte.
Prosecutors argued that by the time of the collision, Childers posed minimal threat to the officers present. A brief physical altercation ensued, during which Childers was shot. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he later died from his injuries.
During a court hearing, prosecutors claimed that Childers had raised his hands in response to an officer’s command. Uribe allegedly kicked Childers in the abdomen, knocked him down, and fired a single bullet into his chest. Prosecutors maintain that Childers’ hands were raised and empty at the time of the shooting.
Uribe allegedly stated at the scene, “That’s what you get for going for an officer’s gun.” However, prosecutors argue that body-worn camera footage does not support Uribe’s claim that Childers had reached for a weapon.
Following the hearing, Uribe posted $100,000 bail. As part of his bond conditions, Uribe is prohibited from contacting Childers’ family and was required to surrender his passport.