Joe Dewayne Gillispie Jr.

Deadly force

Police responded to a report of a burglary in progress. Two officers were dispatched in separate cars. The first to arrive was Sgt. Peggy Boismier. Sgt. Darrell Fortune pulled up a moment later. According to police, both officers saw Gillispie standing inside the attached garage of a one-story brick home. The officers approached Gillispie and attempted to arrest him on suspicion of burglary, but he fought. He grabbed Boismier and dragged her to the ground, climbing on top of her and wrapping his fingers around her throat. Fortune tried to control Gillispie but failed. He allegedly used pepper spray to no effect and shot and killed him.