U.S.
Steven Pope / AP
A South Florida sheriff's deputy has been charged with manslaughter in the 2013 shooting death of a man who was carrying only an air rifle and may have been unable to hear police commands because he was listening to music through earbuds.
A grand jury indictment released Friday charges Broward sheriff's deputy Peter Peraza with manslaughter with a firearm in the shooting of 33-year-old Jermaine McBean, who was black. The charge carries a maximum 30-year prison sentence.
Prosecutors said Peraza turned himself in Friday morning. It wasn't immediately clear whether he had a lawyer to speak for him. The Broward Sheriff's Office didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
McBean was shot by Peraza after 911 callers reported seeing him carrying what appeared to be a real rifle down a busy street.
The Associated Press
Grand jury finds two white police officers justified in young black man's death; Justice Department to review case
Pro-gun groups have repeatedly scuppered attempts to restrict BB and air guns similar to that held by shot Cleveland boy
Authorities say such toys could be 'easily mistaken for real weapons' by both law enforcement and the public
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