MINNEAPOLIS – Suburban police officer Kim Potter was sentenced to 24 months in prison for shooting motorist Daunte Wright in a traffic stop. The sentence, issued by Judge Regina Chu, was far less than the presumptive 86 months for manslaughter. The judge said Potter had been reckless but cited these factors as mitigating:
> Potter “never intended to use her firearm.“
> The scene was “chaotic and intense and rapidly evolving” and that Potter “was required to make a split-second judgment.”
> Potter “was acting in the line of duty while trying to make a lawful arrest.”
With good behavior and credit for time served, Potter could be released in 14 months. Judge Chu said that Potter’s conduct was less serious than the typical manslaughter case. The judge also noted receiving hundreds of letters of support for Potter.
Potter. Former Brooklyn Center police officer. Her defense was that she pulled a gun from her belt, thinking it was a nonlethal taser disabling device.