sheriff Charles Bates , 73 , was allegedly trying to pull out his taser . He killed year - old Eric Harris , who was ' buying ' a gun from undercovers . Police in Tulsa , however , said Harris may have had a gun on him . The sheriff was being chased by an undercover officer when Bates ran up .
Robert Charles Bates , 73 , was allegedly trying to pull out his taser . He killed 44-year-old Eric Harris , who was 'buying ' a gun from undercovers . Police in Tulsa , Oklahoma , said Harris may have had a gun on him . The victim was being restrained by an undercover officer when Bates ran up .