Prosecutors rule fatal North Carolina police shooting of Andrew Brown Jr. justified

North Carolina prosecutors announced Tuesday the fatal shooting last month of Andrew Brown Jr., a black man, by sheriff deputies in Elizabeth City, was justified.

On April 21, the deputies were attempted to serve a felony warrant on the 42-year Brown, who hit them twice with his car as he tried to flee, according to authorities.

Brown was shot five times while behind the wheel of the vehicle, including once in the back of the head, according to an autopsy commissioned by Brown's family. The family also says the police account doesn't match a video of the incident.

"Mr. Brown's death, while tragic, was justified because Mr. Brown's actions caused three deputies to reasonably believe it was necessary to use deadly force to protect themselves and others," said R. Andrew Womble, the district attorney for North Carolina’s First Judicial District."