A Minnesota police officer who accidentally shot and killed a man during a traffic stop is scheduled to be released from prison next week, FOX 9 reports.
Kim Potter is expected to walk out of the Shakopee Minnesota Correctional Facility after serving 16 months behind bars.
Potter, 50, shot Daunte Wright, 20, as he was attempting to flee during a traffic stop on April 11, 2021. She had mistakenly used her firearm instead of a stun gun. Wright tried to drive away after he was shot, but he soon crashed the vehicle and was pronounced dead.
The 26-year veteran of the Brooklyn Center Police Department was convicted of first-degree and second-degree manslaughter following the deadly accident in December 2021.
Brooklyn Center is about 15 miles north of where George Floyd was murdered, and the shooting occurred during the state trial of ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.
“She never intended to hurt anyone. Her conduct cries out for a sentence significantly below the guidelines,” Judge Regina Chu told the court when she issued Potter’s sentence, which was substantially lower than the state’s recommended minimum.
Potter addressed Wright’s family at the sentencing hearing, telling them: “I am so sorry that I brought the death of your son, father, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew,” adding: “My heart is broken for all of you.”
Brooklyn Center paid $3.25 million to Wright’s family following the shooting.
A new booking photo of Potter recently released shows a marked transformation since she was sent to prison.
Potter must still serve eight months under state supervision after her release.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast. Listen to the latest episode below.
[Feature Photo: Daunte Wright/GoFundMe; Kim Potter/Facebook]
