George Floyd: Lane's Attorney Files Motion To Dismiss Charges

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The attorney for former Minneapolis police officer Thomas Lane filed a motion Tuesday to dismiss the charges against him in the death of George Floyd. Earl Gray says there isn't probable cause that his client's activity during Floyd's Memorial Day arrest and death was criminal.

Lane and the three other officers at the scene were fired the day after Floyd's death.

Lane — along with ex-officers Tou Thao and Alexander Kueng — face charges of aiding and abetting unintentional second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.

Derek Chauvin — who had his knee on Floyd's neck — was charged with third-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, and second-degree unintentional murder while committing a felony.

Gray believes the criminal case against Lane should be dropped because of the two times he asked Chauvin if they should turn Floyd from his position on the ground, reports the Star Tribune. Lane held Floyd's legs during the arrest, according to the newspaper.

According to the criminal complaints filed — after Lane asked about moving Floyd to his side — Chauvin told Lane, "no, staying put where we got him."

"I am worried about excited delirium or whatever," Lane responded.

"That's why we have him on his stomach," said Chauvin.

Lane and the others did not move from their position after that, the complaint states.

In video of the incident, Floyd is heard telling officers, "I can't breathe" while being forced down onto the street. He also asks for water.

Floyd's death sparked global protests for police reform and racial justice.

Last month, members of the Minneapolis City Council took the first steps in dismantling their city's police department. By a vote of 12-0, the council advanced a measure that would amend the city charter to remove the requirement for a police department.