Kingsland officer who shot black motorist charged with manslaughter

The Kingsland (Ga.) officer who shot a fleeing motorist has been charged with manslaughter.

Zechariah Presley turned himself in to the custody of the Camden County Sheriff’s Office after arrest warrants were obtained by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, authorities said.

The arrest comes after the June 21 shooting in which Presley pursued a car being driven by Tony Green.

Due to the Presley's arrest, Kingsland Police Chief Daryl G. Griffis recommended the termination of Presley starting today, which the Kingsland city manager accepted.

Green, 33, was shot and killed.

Under Georgia law, Presley faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

The driver, later identified as Green, and passenger then ran from the vehicle and officers ran after Green, GBI said. GBI said "a brief altercation occurred" once officers caught up to Green.

The officer fired multiple shots and Green was killed.

Family members say Green was running away when he was shot. Neighbors say they heard multiple gunshots.

Video from the officer's patrol car and from the officer's body camera are being enhanced so investigators can get a clearer view of what happened, GBI said.

Pastor Mack Knight says the arrest is bittersweet for Green’s family. In one sense, they feel justice has been served, but would have wanted a more serious charge for Presley.

“We really believe it should be a murder charge,” said Knight.

Knight says there will likely be a vigil and balloon release at Green’s memorial on Thursday.

Cox Media Group