David Turbyfill, a Virginia sheriff’s deputy, was indicted on Thursday (July 15) by a grand jury on a felony charge of reckless handling of a firearm after the April shooting of Isiah Brown. According to Brown’s lawyer, Turbyfill shot him eight times outside his home in Spotsylvania County.

According to officials, a reckless handling of a firearm charge is usually a misdemeanor. However, because of Brown’s significant injuries, Turbyfill has been charged with a felony. He remains on administrative leave from the sheriff’s department.

“Isiah Brown and his family are pleased that Spotsylvania County Deputy David Turbyfill has been indicted on a felony charge by a special grand jury in the April 21 shooting of Mr. Brown,” Brown’s attorney David Haynes said in a statement after the indictment.

“The shooting resulted in significant injuries to Mr. Brown which will undoubtedly impact him for the rest of his life,” he added.

As reported by REVOLT, Turbyfill gave Brown, a 32-year-old Black man, a ride home on the night of the shooting because his car broke down. Shortly after dropping him off at home, the deputy, who is white, was called back to the scene after Brown called 911 reporting a dispute with his brother.

During the call, Brown told the dispatcher, “I’m about to kill my brother” but said he was unarmed.

“Somebody needs to come here real quick,” he added.

When Turbyfill arrived, he shouted at Brown to raise his hands and “drop the gun” despite the man being unarmed. Brown was still on the phone with the dispatcher and standing outside his home when Turbyfill fired several shots. The deputy quickly began CPR and Brown was later taken to a hospital.

The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating the shooting.

“We are calling for the immediate termination of Deputy David Turbyfill. We are also asking for the release of all audio communication between the deputy and dispatch, all video from the scene as well as Turbyfill’s employment records and personnel file,” Brown’s lawyer said after the indictment.

“Isiah Brown’s life was shattered and changed forever when he crossed paths with David Turbyfill. While this indictment doesn’t take Mr. Brown’s physical pain away, it does signify a measure of justice,” he added. “We look forward to the successful prosecution of David Turbyfill.”