SHREVEPORT, La. — A former Louisiana police officer accused of fatally shooting an unarmed Black man earlier this year is facing a second felony charge.
On Monday, state prosecutors charged former Shreveport officer Alexander Tyler with felony malfeasance. Tyler was arraigned on charges of shooting 43-year-old Alonzo Bagley on Feb. 3 after he and another officer responded to a report about a domestic disturbance at an apartment complex.
Tyler was charged with negligent homicide on Feb. 16.
On Monday, Tyler pleaded not guilty to first-degree negligent homicide and felony malfeasance.
Tyler had been an officer for about two years prior to the fatal shooting of Bagley. He resigned in March, reported the Associated Press.
On Feb. 11, Bagley’s family filed a $10 million federal lawsuit claiming Tyler used excessive force, reported WSLA.
In body camera video, officers can be seen knocking on the door of Bagley’s second-floor apartment before he returns to the apartment and jumps off a balcony. In the video, Tyler catches up to Bagley and fires one shot striking him in the chest. The video then shows officers administering first aid to keep Bagley alive.
“These charges are extremely disappointing,” Dhu Thompson, Tyler’s defense lawyer, said Monday, reported the Associated Press. “However, we have been prepared since day one to bring the case and facts therein to an impartial jury. We look forward to our day in court.”
Negligent homicide and malfeasance in office each carry sentences of up to 5 years in prison.
More about the shooting and case can be found here.
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