Former Police Officer Charged with Murder in Fatal Shooting at Chick-fil-A

In a shocking turn of events, a former police officer has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting and killing a man outside a Chick-fil-A in Summerville, South Carolina. The incident, which occurred on March 20, has left two families devastated.

The former Summerville Police Officer, 64-year-old Anthony DeLustro, is now facing charges of murder in the death of 39-year-old Michael O'Neal from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has taken over the investigation, and DeLustro's mugshot has not been released.

According to the affidavit released by SLED, DeLustro was off-duty at the time of the incident when he engaged in an altercation with O'Neal. Witnesses reported that O'Neal repeatedly asked DeLustro if he wanted to fight, to which DeLustro responded with derogatory language. The situation escalated to physical violence, with both men exchanging punches and kicks while bystanders tried to intervene.

During the altercation, DeLustro allegedly declared that O'Neal was under arrest, brandishing his law enforcement credentials briefly. However, the fight continued, and DeLustro's handgun fell out of his holster onto the pavement. O'Neal, attempting to disengage from the confrontation, expressed his desire to leave.

Reports say that DeLustro's wife tried to physically restrain O'Neal from entering his vehicle. A witness claimed to have heard DeLustro threaten to shoot O'Neal if he left. DeLustro broke free from the witness and retrieved his gun. He then approached O'Neal's vehicle, opened the passenger side door, and entered.

As O'Neal started to drive away, he told DeLustro to get out of his car. In response, DeLustro fired a single fatal shot at O'Neal, which resulted in his death. Investigators have stated that there is no evidence to suggest that O'Neal posed an imminent threat to DeLustro's life or others.

The tragic incident has left both families shattered, and the Summerville Police Department has offered its condolences to those affected. Chief Doug Wright had previously requested that SLED take over the investigation to ensure transparency and impartiality.

The O'Neal family, in a statement issued after DeLustro's arrest, expressed their gratitude for the support and respect for their privacy during this difficult time. They remain hopeful that justice will be served.

As the legal proceedings continue, the Summerville Police Department has directed all inquiries regarding the incident to SLED. The case highlights the importance of preserving public trust in law enforcement and the need for accountability in such tragic circumstances.

This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the profound impact these situations can have on the lives of everyone involved. The ordeal continues to unfold as the justice system takes its course, seeking answers and closure for the families affected by this heartbreaking incident.