DURHAM, N.C. October 23 2018 Some in the Durham community are frustrated with the pace of the police department’s investigation into the shooting that killed a North Carolina Central University senior.

On Saturday afternoon a group of protesters interrupted the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new police headquarters building.

While the Durham Police Department celebrated the opening of its new building, dozens of people protested.

“We should be free to walk round on the streets and not fear for our lives,” said protester Jazmynne Williams.

The protesters say this is not the time to celebrate. They want justice and answers about what happened to Deandre Ballard, who died in September.

“They’re still trying to find why their family member was killed unjustly, so It’s important that we disrupt this moment,” said Williams.

The 23-year-old student died after an NC Detective Agency security guard shot him at Campus Crossing apartments, where he lived.

The agency says it was justified and CBS 17 has learned the guard has since returned to work. Ballard’s uncle believes there is much more to the story.

“Deandre would respect any man in uniform because of the way Deandre was raised,” said Miguel Staten, Ballard’s uncle.

Earlier this week CBS 17 asked the police chief for an update on the investigation.

“I sincerely hope that the community has enough confidence not just in our police department, but in my leadership, to ensure that an investigation is thorough because that family deserves a thorough investigation,” Durham Police Chief Cerelyn Davis said at the time.

“We can’t trust them,” said Staten. “We trusted them to identify his body in a timely manner. Deandre was shot down dead in his yard and it took the police department three days to find out who he was. We can’t trust that department.”

Ballard’s family says they’re not giving up and they will keep coming back until they get answers.

Durham police said Saturday that they welcome all peaceful protests.

WNCN

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