Speaking candidly for the first time since a fatal police-involved shooting that triggered protests, a Minnesota police chief is standing by his officer.
During an interview with The Associated Press, St. Anthony Police Chief Jon Mangseth defended Officer Jeronimo Yanez as being "level-headed" and said that he has had a sterling reputation since joining the department in 2011.
"He has a real sound ability when it comes to communicating and relating to people," Mangseth told the news outlet. "He showed me that he could shine in that public eye."
Yanez shot and killed 32-year-old Philando Castile during a traffic stop in Falcon Heights on July 6 in which the man's girlfriend streamed the aftermath of the incident live on Facebook.
The officer was expected to return to work Wednesday to perform desk duties and other administrative work until the investigation is completed.
Mangseth wouldn't discuss any details of the shooting and wouldn't say whether he thinks his officer should be charged or exonerated.
