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'Whatever punishment he has received is enough': Victim asks DA not to prosecute deputy involved in shooting

"He told me that he thought both he and the deputy were both afraid for their lives," said the Carroll County District Attorney.

The district attorney's office has decided against indicting a Carroll County deputy involved in a shooting, after the victim said he didn't want to pursue any charges.

Joshua Mapson, 22, was shot by Carroll County Deputy Tyler North on Oct. 9 in the parking lot of a Dollar General store on Highway 166 East, according to police. 

District Attorney John Cranford Jr. said Deputy North spotted a vehicle that seemed suspicious parked at the Dollar General. 

Mapson had been hired to monitor a movie production set nearby. The property owner where the scenes were being filmed asked Mapson to not stay on the property the entire night, Cranford said. So, Mapson would go park at the nearby Dollar General and check on the property periodically.

RELATED: Dash cam video released of Carrollton officer-involved shooting at dollar store

When North approached the vehicle he found Mapson, who was asleep, inside of the car. North tried to wake the driver by knocking on the window with his flashlight, however, it scared him. D.A. Cranford said Mapson thought someone was trying to breaking into his vehicle so, he put the car in reverse and tried to drive off. 

North identified himself as a deputy, Cranford said.

Evidence and dash camera video show that Deputy North could have been hit, according to the District Attorney's office. North fired his weapon several times. A bullet hit Mapson in the hand.

Mapson was taken to the hospital; he was discharged to the Carroll County Sheriff's Office and charged with loitering and reckless conduct. 

Evidence was presented to a grand jury. Cranford said the grand jury recommended that he present an indictment against Deputy North for the misdemeanor crime of reckless conduct. 

Cranford said his office tried to reach out to Mapson about the shooting before the grand jury met, but they weren't able to contact him.  A few days after the grand jury made its recommendation, Mapson contacted the district attorney's office.

"He told me that he thought both he and the deputy were both afraid for their lives. He said he cannot say he would have responded differently if he had been in the officer’s shoes that night," Cranford said in a news release." 

"He asked that I not indict Deputy North and that I decline to prosecute the case." 

Cranford said Mapson is still rehabilitating his hand.

READ: Deputy who shot man at dollar store was investigated for previous officer-involved shooting

"At a time when it seems so many people are quick to see the worst in others and see themselves only as victims, Mr. Mapson has chosen empathy, humility, and grace," Cranford said.

Mapson also provided a statement about why he didn't want Cranford to prosecute the case:

“I truly believe that in the full conclusion of this case, the officer in questioning should receive no indictment or face criminal charges. I believe that the entire situation was completely circumstantial and both the officer and I responded in a way where both parties were afraid for their lives. I do not think that the officer should have fired as many rounds as he did, but I am certain that whatever punishment he has received is enough and I hope that he will grow and learn from this incident, as I intend to do myself. In conclusion, I know that the right type of justice was done and I am grateful for all the help that was given to me by the county. Thank you.” 

D.A. Cranford said the warrants against Mapson were also dropped. Mapson had never been arrested prior to this incident and he had no drugs or alcohol in his system.                                                                      

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