Police: Keith Scott was threatening officers with a gun -- but there's no body camera to prove it

The officer who shot and killed Keith Lamont Scott was not wearing a body camera that would prove police claims that the slain man ignored orders to drop his weapon.

Chief Kerr Putney of Charlotte-Mecklenburg police described Scott, a father of seven, as a "subject" who got out of his car holding a handgun, reported WRAL-TV.

Scott got back into his car, but the chief said police officers approached him as they ordered him to drop the weapon, but he got out of the car a second time with the handgun.

"He stepped out, posing a threat to the officers, and Officer Brentley Vinson subsequently fired his weapon, striking the subject," Putney said.

Scott died from his wounds.

The chief said detectives found Scott's handgun nearby.

Police had been called to the scene to serve an arrest warrant on another man.

Scott's daughter said her father did not own a gun but had been holding a book as he waited in his car for her brother to leave school.

Putney, who has argued body camera videos should not be public record, disputed those claims.

"It's time to change the narrative, because I can tell you from the facts that the story's a little bit different as to how it's been portrayed so far, especially through social media," said Putney, adding that no book was found.

The fatal police shooting sparked violent overnight protests.

Officer Brently Vinson, who fatally shot Scott, has been placed on administrative leave during the investigation.

Vinson was wearing plain clothes and not a uniform during the encounter, but the chief said he was wearing a badge.

Other officers were wearing body cameras, Putney said, but that video evidence has not been released.

Putney said he's not permitted under state law to publicly release the video evidence, but he said Scott's family may view it.

Read more at https://www.wral.com/police-chief-officers-gave-man-multiple-warnings-to-drop-gun-before-fatal-shooting/16034201/#yQ716E4sE9Q4119U.99

Charlotte police chief says officers gave armed man Keith Lamont Scott 'loud, clear, verbal commands' to drop weapon https://t.co/emIIa1RQ2N

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(Note: This article was updated to better reflect Kerr Putney's stance on bodycam video.)