Suspect is given OK to go on vacation
The Oklahoma reserve sheriff ’s deputy who fatally shot a man this month when, he says, he mistook his personal handgun for a Taser was allowed by a judge Tuesday to go on vacation before his next court date.
Tulsa County reserve Deputy Robert Bates pleaded not guilty to second-degree manslaughter in the death of Eric Harris, 44, whom he shot April 2 during an undercover gun-selling sting.
The judge presiding over Bates’ court appearance set his next hearing for July 2 and approved the deputy’s request to vacation first in the Bahamas. Bates, 73, is out on $25,000 bond and if convicted could face four years in prison.
Harris’ family denounced the judge’s decision.
“Whether intended or not, Mr. Bates’ vacationing in the Bahamas at this time sends a message of apathy with respect to the shooting and Eric’s life,” the family said in a statement. “At a time when we are still mourning the death of a loved one that he shot down in the street, Mr. Bates will be relaxing and enjoying his wealth and privilege.”
Bates, a wealthy insurance executive, did not issue a statement after his brief court hearing Tuesday, and his attorney did not respond to requests for comment.
Harris’ family has said Bates did not receive sufficient training, but the reserve deputy disputes that.
According to video of the incident, Harris fled as deputies moved in for the arrest and was captured by another deputy nearby. Moments later, Bates approached, yelling, “Taser! Taser!” Bates then fired one gunshot, killing Harris.
Bates later said he thought he was armed with his Taser but grabbed his personal gun instead. After an internal inquiry, the sheriff ’s office determined Bates had not committed a crime.