Freedom soon for ex-Tulsa reserve deputy who killed suspect

TULSA, Okla. – Oklahoma corrections officials say a former Tulsa County volunteer sheriff’s deputy sentenced to four years in prison in the fatal shooting of an unarmed and restrained suspect will likely be released from custody in mid-October.

Department of Corrections spokesman Mark Myers said Friday 76-year-old Robert Bates’ projected release date is Oct. 13. Corrections officials say offenders accumulate credits toward early release through good behaviour and participation in certain programs.

The former reserve deputy shot Eric Harris on April 2, 2015, while working with Tulsa County deputies during an illegal gun sales sting. Bates said he mistook his handgun for his stun gun.

Bates was convicted in April 2016 of second degree-manslaughter in the case and sentenced to four years in prison. He has appealed his conviction.