ATLANTA — One lawyer says his client does not deserve to be charged after he was indicted three years ago for killing a man.
A grand jury indicted an Atlanta police officer, Ryan Chandler, after he allegedly ran over Marvin King on a scooter and killed him. Chandler’s lawyer, Brian Steel, does not believe the officer should be charged because he said he did not see a stop sign.
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Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne was near the scene of the accident in Southwest Atlanta. The crash happened in August 2018 at the intersection of Washington Place and Newcastle Street.
Steel argued that the stop sign at the intersection has changed since the crash happened back in 2018.
“That stop sign, if you look at it on the day of the collision, cannot be seen. It is covered up by trees and bushes. Since this fatality occurred, the City of Atlanta has removed those bushes. They also put the stop sign in the proper place,” Steel said.
However, the Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ office said even a police officer has to follow the law behind the wheel.
Steel said Chandler did not commit the crimes against him and he did not violate his oath.
“Officer Chandler has been living more than three and a half years with the heaviest heart with what happened on this fatal day. But he did not in any way commit vehicular homicide and he did not violate his oath of office,” Steel said.
Steel added that Chandler went to assist King after the accident.
“Officer Chandler immediately went to assist and give life-saving procedures to Mr. King. He has always, always apologized and prays for King and his family,” Steel said.
According to the Atlanta Police Department, an emergency hearing is being scheduled to determine Chandler’s employment status.
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