Ex-Minnesota officer charged with murdering Australian a flight risk: prosecutors

Prosecutors argued on Wednesday that the former Minnesota police officer charged with murdering an unarmed Australian woman in July represents a flight risk and should face high bail.

Ex-Minneapolis police Officer Mohamed Noor, 32, who on Tuesday was charged in the fatal shooting of 40-year-old Justine Damond, did not enter a plea on the third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges.

Damond, who was living in Minneapolis, called 911 to report a possible sexual assault near her house, and she approached the police after their arrival, authorities said.

Matthew Harrity, the officer driving the police car from which Noor shot, said he was startled by a loud sound and both officers “got spooked” when Damond appeared out of nowhere, prosecutors said.

The shooting drew condemnation in Minnesota and Australia, where Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called it “shocking” and “inexplicable.” Then-Minneapolis police Chief Jamee Harteau resigned after city officials said procedures had been violated and Damond “didn’t have to die.”

Assistant Hennepin County Attorney Amy Sweasy said during the 10-minute hearing in Hennepin County District Court that prosecutors had believed Noor might flee and argued for $500,000 bail.

“There were non-appearance concerns in the fall that Mr. Noor left the country or jurisdiction ... but he was here,” she said, adding that a witness offered to hide the defendant.

Noor’s attorney, Tom Plunkett, argued his client’s deep roots in the community where he was raised since age 5 justified release on personal recognizance. He said Noor never tried to leave the country and offered to turn over Noor’s passport.

“Mr. Noor does not pose a threat to public safety,” said Plunkett, who declined to speak with reporters afterward. On Tuesday, Plunkett said his client should not have been charged and he was simply following his training.

Noor was placed on paid leave from the police force after the shooting, and Sweasy said that his employment ended. It was not clear if he resigned or was fired, and police declined comment.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for May 8. Noor remained in jail Wednesday afternoon.

The penalty for third-degree murder is up to 25 years in prison and second-degree manslaughter carries a penalty of up to 10 years, according to a state website.