Officer Kim Potter shot and killed 20 year old Daunte Wright. And here we are yet, again with more senseless murders of minorities from a police officer. And per usual, this unfortunate tragedy is the catalyst to several days of protests and violent outrage in Minneapolis, the city where Derek Chauvin is on trial for the murder of George Floyd.
Kim Potter is the ex police officer who shot and killed Daunte Wright just a few miles from where George Floyd was killed by a cop, when she pulled him over for a traffic violation on Sunday in a Minneapolis suburb. She was arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter Wednesday morning, according to authorities.
Resigning from the force as a Brooklyn Center officer, the fatalities rest on her and another officers hands.
Potter was arrested Wednesday morning by agents of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, according to the bureau. She was booked into the Hennepin County Jail.
Moreover, the second-degree manslaughter law in Minnesota applies when authorities allege a person causes someone’s death by “culpable negligence. Whereby the person creates an unreasonable risk, and consciously takes chances of causing death or great bodily harm to another”.
Convictions
Nevertheless, if convicted, one faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $20,000. Former police Chief Tim Gannon commented about the ‘mistake’ that Potter made. He said Wright’s death appeared to be the result of Potter mistaking her gun for a Taser.
What Really Happened
Initially, according to the body cam, Wright allegedly resisted arrest. However, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension examined Potter’s duty belt and found her handgun holstered on the right side of her belt, while the Taser is on the left side, according to a news release from Orput’s office. Not sure how she could have gotten the two mixed up, when the Taser is yellow with a black grip and is set in a straight-draw position. Meaning Potter would have to use her left hand to pull the Taser of the holster.
What Was The Reason Duante Was Pulled Over
The incident began shortly after 2 p.m. Sunday on the 6300 block of Orchard Avenue in Brooklyn Center. Officers stopped a vehicle for expired tags. Once they ran the tags and information, they learned he had a warrant for a misdemeanor. Attempting to arrest him, he struggled and got back into vehicle. Incidentally, former officer Potter shot at him, while he drove into another car and crashed. He was pronounced dead on the scene. The other participants in the car crash were hurt but are expected to recover.
It’s unfortunate that these mishaps continue to take place within certain communities. Ongoing investigation is being tracked to include the release of body camera footage and Gannon’s statement that the shooting appeared accidental.