Joshua Rankin: Former Deputy Charged with Shooting Autistic Man

1. Henderson sheriff deputy charged with felony crime scene timeline
2. Henderson sheriff deputy charged with felony crime scene investigation timeline.

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Former Henderson County Sheriff’s deputy Joshua Rankin appeared in Henderson County District Court on Feb. 26 with his hired private attorney, Douglas Pearson, after being charged with shooting a 25-year-old man with autism while off duty on Feb. 23. The incident took place at the Brittany Estates Apartments complex in Hendersonville, where Rankin fired at a person standing beside a parked patrol car.

Following the shooting, the Hendersonville Police Department contacted the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) to handle the officer-involved incident. Henderson County District Attorney Andrew Murray confirmed that his office has the authority to involve the SBI in such cases, leading to the transfer of the case to the state agency.

A timeline of the crime scene reveals the events that transpired on the morning of the shooting. Multiple 911 calls were made reporting gunshots at the Brittany Estates Circle. Hendersonville police responded to the scene and discovered that one of their deputies was involved in the incident. Witnesses reported seeing a white male with strawberry blond hair entering an apartment on the third floor, possibly autistic and carrying a phone.

Investigations led to the discovery of a bullet fragment in front of the patrol vehicle and a casing underneath the vehicle indicating a ricochet. The victim, identified as Browning, was transported to Pardee Hospital for treatment. Rankin was subsequently charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious bodily injury.

During his court appearance, Rankin waived his right to a court-appointed attorney and opted for private legal representation. His next court date was scheduled for April 9. The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office announced Rankin’s termination and distanced itself from the investigation, leaving the case in the hands of the SBI.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the community awaits further updates on this troubling incident. Stay tuned for more developments on this case as it progresses through the judicial system.

For more news and updates on similar incidents, visit the Asheville Citizen Times website. Stay informed about public safety matters by following our Public Safety Reporter, Ryley Ober, on Twitter @ryleyober..

– Henderson sheriff deputy charged with felony
– Crime scene timeline Henderson sheriff deputy charged with felony.