Ex-Brooklyn Center officer makes first court appearance after shooting death of Daunte Wright
[anvplayer video=”5022238″ station=”998122″]
A former Brooklyn Center police officer made her first court appearance Thursday following the traffic stop shooting death of Daunte Wright.
Kim Potter, who resigned from the police force two days after Wright’s death, was charged Wednesday with second-degree manslaughter in what her chief said appeared to be a case of confusing her Taser with her handgun.
Everyone involved appeared via video conferencing, and the proceedings lasted just under 5 minutes. Potter was seen on camera twice, sitting off to the left of her attorney wearing a flannel shirt.
Many protesters and Wright’s family members have rejected that, saying either that they don’t believe it or that the incident reflects bias in policing.
Former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter makes her first appearance in court. [Cedric Hohnstadt ]
A criminal complaint notes Potter’s Taser was yellow with a black grip and was in a straight-draw position on her left side, meaning Potter would’ve had to use her left hand to draw it from its holster.
"Certain occupations carry an immense responsibility and none more so than a sworn police officer," said Imran Ali, Washington County assistant criminal division chief and director of the Major Crime Unit. "With that responsibility comes a great deal of discretion and accountability.
"We will vigorously prosecute this case and intend to prove that Officer Potter abrogated her responsibility to protect the public when she used her firearm rather than her taser. Her action caused the unlawful killing of Mr. Wright and she must be held accountable. County Attorney Peter Orput and I met with the family, expressed our deepest sympathies and assured them we would spare no resources in seeking justice for Mr. Wright."
Potter, a 26-year veteran, was training another officer at the time of the stop. She was arrested and later freed after posting a $100,000 bond.
The Washington County Attorney’s Office is handling the case at the request of the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office so that there would be no potential conflict of interest.
The BCA’s investigation remains active.
If convicted, Potter could face a maximum of 10 years in jail, a $20,000 fine or both.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.