Crime & Safety
Ex-Tulsa Reserve Deputy Who Mistook Handgun For Stun Gun To Be Freed
Robert Bates shot Eric Harris while working with deputies in an illegal gun sales sting. Bates said he mistook his handgun for his stun gun.
TULSA, OK — A former Tulsa County volunteer sheriff's deputy who shot an unarmed and restrained suspect to death two years ago will probably be freed in mid-October, Oklahoma corrections officials said.
Robert Bates, 76, was sentenced to four years in prison in the April 2015 shooting of Eric Harris while working with Tulsa County deputies during an illegal gun sales sting. Bates said he thought his handgun was his stun gun.
He was convicted last year of second degree-manslaughter in the case and sentenced to four years in prison. He has appealed the conviction. (For more information on the Bates case and other Tulsa stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)
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Department of Corrections spokesman Mark Myers said Friday Bates' projected release date is Oct. 13. Offenders accumulate credits toward early release through good behavior and participation in certain programs, corrections officials said.
Photo credit: Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press