TULSA, Okla. — A sheriff’s deputy who can be heard in a video cursing at a suspect who later died was unaware that a volunteer deputy had shot the man, according to the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office.
Spokesman Shannon Clark told The Wall Street Journal that the office would evaluate the April 2 incident that led to the death of Eric Harris, 44.
In the video of Harris’ arrest that was captured by a camera in a deputy’s sunglasses, one deputy can be seen restraining Harris by pressing a knee to his head. Another deputy is heard cursing when Harris complains that he has been shot and cannot breathe.
Clark said both deputies have said they didn’t realize Harris had been shot. Clark said any administrative action against the deputies would be conducted within the department.
Reservist Robert Bates, 73, was charged Monday with manslaughter in the shooting death of Harris, who authorities say had tried to sell illegal guns to an undercover officer.
