The charges against the former police officer who killed Daunte Wright have been upgraded by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Sources recall that Kimberly Potter was originally charged with second-degree manslaughter, however, prosecutors added a charge of first-degree manslaughter on Thursday (Sept. 2) to her original charges. By the amended complaint, the former officer is alleged to have caused Wright’s death by recklessly using a firearm in such a dangerous manner that death or great bodily injury to anyone was reasonably foreseeable.
As alleged in the complaint, Potter claimed she would go to prison. A list of the ex-cop’s qualifications appeared alongside the statement, “I shot a boy.”. She received a “substantial amount of” training on how to differentiate between tasers and handguns throughout her 26 years on the force. Potter had already completed two taser-specific training courses six months before the shooting.
These courses included information regarding the correct use of tasers as well as safety concerns associated with the use of them. At the end of the course, Potter completed a written test in order to demonstrate that she comprehended the information presented. She also signed a certificate of completion.
Potter fatally shot Wright, 20, during a traffic stop in April. His registration was expired, so he was pulled over. Wright fled from authorities after finding out he was wanted on an outstanding warrant. Though authorities attempted to arrest him, he reportedly got back into his vehicle and fled the scene.
Potter, who is a former union president, fired her weapon at Wright in the chest. Instead of shooting her gun, she meant to fire her taser. On Dec. 6, her trial will begin.
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
Truly it is a very tragic event. Civilization