RALEIGH -- No charges will be filed against a N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission wildlife enforcement officer who was involved in the fatal shooting of a Wilkes County turkey hunter on April 11.

      According to a press release issued by District Attorney Tom E. Horner of Wilkesboro earlier today, Officer Mark Minton’s actions “were reasonable and appropriate in response to the perceived use or imminent use of deadly physical force . . .” and no criminal prosecution is warranted.

      The Commission was notified this afternoon of the findings by the State Bureau of Investigation and the Wilkes County District Attorney’s Office.

      “We appreciate the work of both agencies to resolve this issue,” said Gordon Myers, the executive director of the Commission. “An internal investigation is ongoing, and until the investigation is complete, it would not be appropriate for the Commission to comment further.”