Coleman Brackney, a former Bella Vista cop charged with fatally shooting a motorist he’d chased, has struck a plea bargain that will require him to serve 30 days in prison and pay a $1,000 fine. He pleaded guilty to misdemeanor negligent homicide, reduced from felony manslaughter.

Here’s more background on the case. The police cruiser camera indicated the stopped motorist’s car was never aimed at Brackney. He said he’d stumbled and shot for fear he’d be run down by a car driven by James Ahern. Brackney shot Ahern six times, the final time as he appeared to be surrendering, according to a State Police investigation.

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