Show Notes
When asked if he was aware of another officer mistaking their gun for their taser, expert witness Sgt. Mike Peterson said he was not. Other testimony revealed that Potter did not test her taser as required by her department the day she fatally shot Daunte Wright, and that the position of her duty belt was also under question.
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Georgia Fort reports:
A taser spark test in court Tuesday showed jurors in the Kim Potter trial the process that Brooklyn Center officers are required to go through daily to ensure their tasers are functioning properly.
“I simply press my arc switch again and it runs through a 5 second test,” said
Sgt. Mike Peterson, a taser expert. Peterson explained to jurors appropriate uses for tasers. He also testified that Potter had been trained on the newest model taser that she was using at the time of Daunte’s death. Testimony regarding tasers is significant as the defendant is expected to testify that she mistook her taser for her gun.
“In all the years you’ve worked for the Brooklyn Center Police Department are you aware of another officer who has drawn their hand gun when they meant to draw their taser?” asked State Prosecutor Matthew Frank.
“I don’t,” replied Peterson after a long pause.
The prosecution doubled down on tasers and training this week. During Monday’s Testimony from Sam McGinnis, senior special agent with the BCA, it was revealed that Potter did not test her taser as required by her department the day she fatally shot Daunte Wright. The position of her duty belt was also under question.
“It appeared in watching this that their had been a manipulation of her holster,” said McGinnis.
Testimony from Brooklyn Center Commander Garett Flesand detailed the department's pursuit policies.
“In recognizing the risk to public safety created by vehicle pursuits no officer or supervisor shall be criticized or disciplined for deciding not to engage in a vehicle pursuit or for terminating a pursuit already underway underway, even if permitted by state statute or policy,” stated Flesand.
Judge Chu made a ruling Tuesday afternoon that evidence supporting a stricter sentence could be presented if the jury reaches a guilty verdict.
Kim Potter and the former Brooklyn Center chief of police are still expected to take the stand. Judge Chu says the trial should wrap up by Christmas Eve.
What is Racial Reckoning: The Arc of Justice?
Right now: Covering the trial of Kim Potter accused of killing Daunte Wright, the community’s reaction, and exploring the changes needed to create a more just society.
Racial Reckoning: The Arc of Justice is a journalism initiative from Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities, KMOJ Radio, and the Minnesota Humanities Center covering the trials of the officers accused of killing George Floyd, the community’s reaction, and exploring the changes needed to create a more just society.