City Attorney Gilbert Chichester confirmed this morning that a report on the matter by WRAL was correct. The Raleigh TV station reported Thursday night that the Halifax County District Attorney's Office determined officers acted appropriately when they encountered Javonte Gorham, who has autism, while looking for his 23-year-old brother, Jamonte Gorham.

“Any time a law enforcement officer uses force, they have to comply with a use of force policy,” Chichester said this morning. “They did comply with the use of force policy.”

WRAL reported the boy's mother, Nancy Gorham, gave police permission to search the home. She said Javonte, who also goes by Jay, was sleeping when officers entered his room. She reportedly walked in to find him face down on the bed, getting shocked with a stun gun.

Chichester told WRAL the officers absolutely did not know it at the time that Jay has autism. Police said Jay was aggressive.

“The person partially stood up and pushed one of the officers,” Chichester told the TV station. “It is my understanding that the officers, the Roanoke Rapids police officers that were involved in this, acted appropriately according to all the guidelines.”

The finding of no criminal wrongdoing does not rule out the possibility of a civil lawsuit, Chichester said. Mrs. Gorham told WRAL she does intend to sue.

Roanoke Rapids Police Chief Thomas Hathaway referred questions to Chichester.