BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. – The former Brooklyn Center police officer charged with second-degree manslaughter in the shooting of 20-year-old Daunte Wright will make her first court appearance Thursday.
Kim Potter, 48, fatally shot Wright during a traffic stop Sunday. In charging documents, prosecutors said Potter’s “culpable negligence” caused Wright’s death and “created an unreasonable risk” when she shot him instead of using her Taser.
Body-worn camera footage shows Potter pointing her firearm at Wright as she shouts “Taser,” and the city’s former police chief described the incident as “an accidental discharge.”
However, Wright’s family has rejected police’s characterization of their son’s death, saying he was murdered and demanding the officer be held accountable to the “highest” standard.
Potter faces up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine if found guilty. She was arrested Wednesday and released on a $100,000 bond.
“Certain occupations carry an immense responsibility and none more so than a sworn police officer,” said Imran Ali, Washington County assistant criminal division chief. “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.”
