Tulsa Reserve Deputy Turns Himself In For Manslaughter

The Tulsa County reserve deputy who shot and killed a man - instead of using his taser - turned himself in at the Tulsa Jail.

Tuesday, April 14th 2015, 8:06 am

By: News On 6


The Tulsa County reserve deputy who shot and killed a man - instead of using his taser - turned himself at the Tulsa County Jail Tuesday morning.

Robert Bates was charged with second-degree manslaughter Monday in a story that's making national news.

He turned himself in at the Tulsa Jail, accompanied by attorney Clark Brewster. Media swarmed the front of the jail as Bates arrived.

Bates was charged with second-degree manslaughter after the 73-year-old reserve deputy shot and killed Eric Harris with his gun, instead of using a taser.

His bond has been set at $25,000, in accordance with state law. Bates bonded out Tuesday morning.

4/13/2014 Related Story: Reserve Deputy Charged With Manslaughter In Eric Harris Death

Harris had been caught in an illegal gun bust.

He became suspicious of an undercover deputy sitting next to him and took off. After a quick chase and takedown, Bates shot Harris, then apologized.

Bates's attorney calls this a tragic mistake. Harris's family says it's inexcusable.

4/13/2014 Related Story: Family Of Man Killed By Reserve Deputy Calls Shooting 'Evil'

Andre Harris, Eric's brother, believes Bates was allowed to be a reserve deputy because he made some generous donations to the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office. Records show he donated six cars and several other items to the department between 2009 and 2012.

The sheriff's office denies that, stating Bates has 276 hours of training and is a former Tulsa Police officer.

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