Former Minneapolis police officer Thomas Lane, co-accused in George Floyd’s murder, leaves jail after posting bail

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Ex-officer Thomas Lane was released from jail after posting bail on Wednesday afternoon.
• Lane was one of four suspects who are former Minneapolis officers held responsible for the death of George Floyd.
• Attorney for Lane said they would file a motion to dismiss the charges against his client, noting the former police officer did what is necessary to prevent the death of Floyd.

On Wednesday afternoon, one of four Minneapolis police officers who were sacked and charged over the death George Floyd posted bailed out and had his temporary freedom.

Spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office spokesman said the former officer, Thomas Lane, 37, posted a bail amounting to $750,000 and was released from the Hennepin County jail at around 4:00 p.m.

A website raising funds for Lane was since taken down following the recent development. The page petitioned for funds through PayPal donations platform, while complaining the amount set for bail was too high, also claiming that Lane tried his best to save Floyd’s life.

Legal counsel for Lane,  Earl Gray, said the website was valid, but noted he was not informed about how much cash it was able to raise. The site posted Lane, and his family was grateful for the help and prayers of those who supported the drive.

The former police officer was one of three accused of aiding and abetting second-degree for both murder and manslaughter in the arrest of Floyd, which led to his death on May 25. Lane’s attorney said his client acknowledged the bail with conditions.

Gray also said Lane is now staying with his wife in an undisclosed location. The next hearing for Lane’s case is set on June 29, and Gray said he is to push a motion to dismiss the case, noting he hopes the court would grant it.

Meanwhile, the other suspects remained imprisoned on Wednesday, including Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao, who were slapped with similar charges as Lane, and Derek Chauvin, who was separately charged with second-degree for both murder and manslaughter.

As written on the charges, Lane was the first who apprehended Floyd into custody by holding down the 46-year-old by the legs while Kueng was on his back.  As seen on viral video, Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck as he complained of difficulty in breathing before he passed away.

Thao and Kueng’s bail was set to $750,000 each, while Chauvin is at $1.25 million.

Source: Star Tribune