OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Tulsa County sheriff wants the Oklahoma Supreme Court to block a grand jury investigation requested after the fatal shooting of an unarmed man by a volunteer deputy.
A court referee took evidence and heard testimony Tuesday. The lawyer for a group that circulated a petition seeking the grand jury said citizens exercised a constitutional right by seeking an investigation into Sheriff Stanley Glanz.
More than 6,600 Tulsans want grand jury members to explore whether Glanz neglected his duties or gave special treatment to reservists who donated to his office. Glanz's lawyers say some signatures were gathered improperly and the petition should be rejected.
The petition drive began after 73-year-old reserve deputy Robert Bates shot and killed Eric Harris on April 2. Bates has pleaded not guilty to second-degree manslaughter.