ATLANTA — A former Georgia police officer who fatally shot a 26-year-old Air Force veteran while he was reportedly having a mental health crisis 10 years ago pleaded guilty to aggravated assault related to the high-profile case.

On March 9, 2015, Anthony Hill, an unarmed Black man, was shot and killed by Officer Robert “Chip” Olsen in the city of Chamblee in DeKalb County while Hill, naked, was reportedly experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of the incident.

Following the shooting, Olsen was charged with multiple offenses, including felony murder and aggravated assault. The prosecution argued that Olsen had acted recklessly and without justification when he used lethal force against Hill, who posed no immediate threat. The case was further complicated by the fact that Hill was reportedly unarmed and had been exhibiting erratic behavior, which raised concerns about the police’s approach to individuals in mental health crises.

The shooting sparked outrage within the community and led to protests advocating for justice and accountability in law enforcement practices.

The aggravated assault charge was overturned by the Georgia Court of Appeals in March of last year.

Olsen formally pleaded guilty to the charge of aggravated assault as part of a plea deal with the prosecution. This decision came after a lengthy legal battle that included pre-trial motions, public outcry, and extensive media coverage. By entering a guilty plea, Olsen opened the door to a potentially more lenient sentence than if he had gone to trial and been convicted of the more serious charges.

Olsen appeared in court via Zoom on Wednesday for the virtual hearing. DeKalb County Superior Court Judge LaTisha Dear Jackson sentenced Olsen to 15 years in prison — commuting 12 of those 15 years to time served. Olsen will serve rest of the negotiated sentence on probation.

The case has highlighted more calls for police reform and updated police training, especially concerning mental health crises. Advocates for mental health awareness argue that law enforcement agencies should adopt more comprehensive training programs that equip officers with the skills necessary to de-escalate situations involving individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

The 10-year-old case also reignited conversations about systemic racism and the disproportionate impact of police violence in communities of color.

More on the fatal shooting of Anthony Hill.