Reserve deputy surrenders to face manslaughter charge
TULSA, Okla. (AP) — A 73-year-old Oklahoma volunteer sheriff's deputy who authorities said fatally shot a suspect after confusing his stun gun and handgun was booked into the county jail today on a manslaughter charge.
Robert Bates surrendered to the Tulsa County Jail and was released after posting $25,000 bond. Bates' attorney, Clark Brewster, told reporters his client would not make a statement, then ushered him into a waiting SUV.
Brewster said Bates is due to make an initial court appearance April 21.
The Tulsa County Sheriff's Office said Bates, an insurance executive who was volunteering on an undercover operation in Tulsa, accidentally shot 44-year-old Eric Harris on April 2. Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler charged Bates on Monday with second-degree manslaughter, punishable by up to four years in prison.
A video of the incident recorded by a deputy with a sunglass camera and released Friday shows a deputy chase and tackle Harris, who authorities said tried to sell an illegal gun to an undercover officer.
A gunshot rang out as the deputy wrestled with Harris on the ground and a man says: "Oh, I shot him. I'm sorry."
Harris was treated by medics at the scene and died at a hospital.