ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, August 20, 1996 TAG: 9608200070
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: FAIRFAX
SOURCE: Associated Press
An off-duty police officer shot and killed a motorist who was tussling with a Virginia state trooper, state police said Monday.
Robert T. Glover fired from close range as Auguster A. Carter tried to drive away from a trooper who had pulled him over on Interstate 95 on Sunday night, police said.
Trooper Eric Radwick was holding onto Carter through the open driver's side door of the car, police said. The two men struggled briefly before Glover, on his way to work in Washington, stopped his truck and fired at Carter.
It was unclear whether Radwick asked for help, or whether Glover announced his intent to shoot. State police Capt. Donald Garrett would not say whether Glover's actions were appropriate.
``It would appear he thought the trooper was in very serious danger,'' Garrett said.
Garrett also would not say whether Radwick felt his life was threatened.
Radwick stopped Carter about 9:10 p.m. Sunday because he suspected Carter was drunk, Garrett said. Radwick ordered Carter out of the car for sobriety tests, and Carter initially complied.
``They had a conversation, which escalated into a confrontation,'' Garrett said.
Carter jumped back in his car, and Radwick radioed a state police dispatcher for help at 9:15 p.m., Garrett said. Radwick grabbed Carter as Carter started the car and drove down the shoulder, police said.
Glover apparently came on the scene then, Garrett said.
Radwick, 30, suffered cuts and bruises on his legs from being dragged next to the car.
Carter, 48, of Hampton, was pronounced dead on the scene. He had been shot several times in the body. Garrett said he did not know how many shots had been fired. His body was taken to the state medical examiner's office in Fairfax for an autopsy.
Glover, 24, has been placed on leave with pay while authorities investigate, said District police spokesman Officer Kenny Bryson. Glover is a two-year veteran of the department.
Garrett said state police are investigating and will turn their report over to Fairfax County prosecutors, as is routine.
Carter's wife, sister and two teen-age children came to Fairfax on Monday, Garrett said. Carter's home telephone number is unlisted.
The incident closed the northbound lanes of I-95 for more than two hours Sunday night. Traffic piled up for more than two miles as dozens of police officers scoured the scene.
LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines KEYWORDS: FATALITYby CNB