Man’s death involving security guards at transit center deemed justified

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department learned on Wednesday that investigators said that a deadly run-in with security guards was justified at the Charlotte Transit Center.

Channel 9 has been pushing for answers in the case since December after a viral video showed guards beating and kicking a man.

Former officer gives insight on training after man dies following altercation with security guards

Police said Joshua Overton, 32, was the man who died at the transit center on the afternoon of Dec. 8, 2024.

Video of the incident was captured by a witness and posted on the Charlittt_nc Instagram page.

It shows guards with Strategic Security out of New York beating Overton with a baton and later kicking him.

At one point, Overton crawls away and collapses grasping someone’s legs.

The Rev. Denise Lewis said she helped Overton with transitional housing as part of her ministry, My Father’s Choice Ministries.

“I was heartbroken,” she said. “He did have mental issues. He did. He could get really belligerent sometime, and, you know, and up in your face, but never, like, hit nobody or anything like that.”

Lewis said Overton was in and out of hospitals the whole time she knew him, including just before his death.

“Then we’d get him to the hospital, and they’d send them back the next day,” the reverend said.

Others at the ministry called Overton “Preacher man,” saying he’d preach for hours on end.

Lewis still had Overton’s Bible and a picture he drew her the day before he died.

“The whole system needs to be overhauled,” Lewis said. “We got to take a look at how we treat the mental health community. Even how they live. Even where they live at.”

Lewis said she still has all of Joshua’s belongings and she’s hoping his family comes forward soon so she can give them his things and join her in holding a memorial in his honor.

Channel 9 reached out to Strategic Security Corporation and Charlotte Area Transit System, which contracts with them to provide security at the transit center.

Neither returned our request for comment.

VIDEO: Former officer gives insight on training after man dies following altercation with security guards