MCKNIGHT SHOOTER FACES MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE

The Louisiana man who fatally shot former NFL and Southern California running back Joe

McKnight during a road rage dispute was charged with manslaughter as a sheriff angrily defended the investigation Tuesday, saying authorities strategically waited for days to make the arrest because they needed to find independent witnesses. Ronald Gas

ser, 54, was initially taken into custody after the shooting last Thursday but he was released without being charged, drawing heated criticism from protesters who said race played a role in the investigation. Gasser, who is white, was arrested and jailed late Monday. Jefferson Parish (La.) Sheriff Newell Normand pounded on a podium during a news conference, stating, “This isn’t about race. Not a single witness has said … one racial slur was uttered.” The sheriff said the dispute between the men started on a bridge and proceeded into a New Orleans suburb, with both men driving erratically and yelling at each other. Eventually, the cars came to a stop and McKnight confronted Gasser, who was still seated in his car. Gasser pulled out a gun and shot McKnight three times, killing him. When deputies arrived, Normand said Gasser handed them his gun and said he shot McKnight, 28. Thursday’s incident occurred at the same intersection where Gasser allegedly assaulted another motorist in February 2006.