Louisiana Officer Charged in Shooting Death of Unarmed Black Man Faces Second Felony Charge
A Shreveport, Louisiana police officer, Alexander Tyler, who was charged in February with negligent homicide for the shooting death of an unarmed Black man, Alonzo Bagley, now faces a second felony charge related to the incident. Tyler pleaded not guilty to both charges on Monday, according to his attorney, Dhu Thompson.
The additional charge brought against Tyler is felony malfeasance in office. Each felony charge carries a potential prison sentence of up to five years. If found guilty, the court could impose the sentences concurrently or consecutively.
The shooting took place in February when Tyler and another officer responded to a domestic disturbance call at an apartment complex. Bagley, 43, jumped down from an apartment balcony and fled upon the officers’ arrival. Tyler pursued Bagley on foot and eventually shot him. Louisiana State Police, who are investigating the case, later revealed that Bagley was found to be unarmed.
Body camera footage and a 911 call related to the shooting have been released by investigators. This incident occurred less than a month after the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols by Memphis officers after a traffic stop, reigniting national conversations about police use of force against people of color, particularly Black Americans.
The Bagley family attorney, Ron Haley, expressed satisfaction that Tyler is now facing additional charges, but believes the charge of negligent homicide should be upgraded to manslaughter. The family has filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit against Tyler.
Tyler resigned from the Shreveport Police Department in March, according to Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux.
CNN has reached out to the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office for further information on the newly added charge.
