South Bend police officer resigns after killing of black man

A South Bend, Ind., police officer who shot and killed a black man in June has resigned from the force, according to CNN.

The officer, Sgt. Ryan O’Neill, said that he approached Eric Logan after receiving reports of a man breaking into cars and shot him after Logan charged him with a knife. O’Neill’s body camera was turned off at the time of the shooting.

{mosads}Chief Scott Ruszkowski said O’Neill had resigned effective immediately on Monday.

“I am in receipt of his resignation letter. I will have no further comment at this time,” Ruszkowski told CNN.

The shooting led to widespread demonstrations among South Bend’s black community, with protesters confronting mayor and presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg (D) when he left the campaign trail to address the unrest.

St. Joseph Circuit Court Judge John Broden has since appointed prosecutor Richard Hertel to investigate the shooting.

County Prosecutor Ken Cotter said the appointment was necessary to “avoid any appearance of impropriety, conflict of interest or influence upon the ultimate prosecutorial decision to be made.”

Logan’s family, meanwhile, has filed a lawsuit against the city, arguing O’Neill used excessive deadly force against Logan and subjected him to unlawful treatment based on his race.

“As a result of the City of South Bend’s policies and practices, and the unjustified and unreasonable conduct of the Defendant O’Neill, Plaintiff has suffered injuries, including severe emotional distress and ultimately the death of Eric Jack Logan,” the lawsuit reads.

Buttigieg’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Hill.