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Officer, chief charged in fatal citizens academy exercise

Officer, chief charged in fatal citizens academy exercise | iNFOnews.ca
FILE - In this Aug. 10, 2016 file photo, Steve Knowlton talks about his mother Mary Knowlton, shown in family photos, during an interview in Punta Gorda, Fla. State Attorney Stephen Russell announced Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, that Punta Gorda Police Officer Lee Coel has been charged with felony manslaughter, and Police Chief Tom Lewis has been charged with misdemeanor culpable negligence. Coel faces up to 30 years in prison, and Lewis faces up to 60 days in jail. Authorities say 73-year-old Mary Knowlton was taking part in a roleplaying scenario Aug. 9 when she was mistakenly struck with a live round. The retired librarian was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) A
Original Publication Date: February 22, 2017 5:02AM
Publication Updated: April 26, 2025 4:23PM

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – Prosecutors in southwest Florida have filed charges against an officer who accidentally shot a woman to death during a citizens academy “shoot/don’t shoot” exercise, as well as the officer’s boss.

State Attorney Stephen Russell announced Wednesday that Punta Gorda Police Officer Lee Coel has been charged with felony manslaughter and faces up to 30 years in prison. Police Chief Tom Lewis has been charged with misdemeanour culpable negligence and faces up to 60 days in jail.

Authorities say 73-year-old Mary Knowlton was taking part in a roleplaying scenario Aug. 9 when she was mistakenly struck with a live round. The retired librarian was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Coel was placed on administrative leave at the time.

It wasn’t immediately clear if Coel or Lewis had attorneys.

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