A Georgia police officer has been arrested in the shooting death of a black man, 33-year-old Tony Green, who fled during a traffic stop.
Kingsland Police Officer Zachariah Presley turned himself into the Camden County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, June 27, after the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) obtained a warrant. He was charged with voluntary manslaughter and violation of oath of office and has been fired from the force, according to WJXT-TV. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
According to a statement from the GBI, Presley followed a car being driven by Green with another passenger in the front seat on Thursday, June 21. When he pulled the car over, the two men ran, and Presley pursued Green. A scuffle ensued, and Green was able to escape. That’s when the incident turned tragic and “at which time Presley fired multiple shots resulting in the death of Green,” according to a statement from the GBI.
#BREAKING: Kingsland Police Officer Arrested in Officer Involved Shooting Investigation pic.twitter.com/3173I0xnC5
— GA Bureau of Invest (@GBI_GA) June 27, 2018
Green’s family released a statement through their attorney after Presley’s arrest.
“Tony Green was gunned down in cold blood by Officer Presley. We are encouraged by his swift arrest, but we intend to remain vigilant until he is brought to justice and the family is able to get answers as to why this happened in the first place. The senseless killings of black men by police must stop,” they said.
Green's aunt was more blunt.
"He took a life, so he should get life, too," Juanita Knight told WJXT-TV on Wednesday.
The GBI has reviewed body camera and dashboard footage of the incident and plans to enhance it to get a better understanding of what happened.
Presley’s personnel file revealed he had “10 flags” that should have prevented his hiring in June 2017 including marijuana use and domestic violence. He has been involved in nine questionable encounters since being hired. One black woman accused him of racial profiling during a traffic stop, and a black man said Presley and another officer would park outside of his house.
Presley is due in court on Friday, June 29.
