Officer who shot Philando Castile faces charges: 4 essential audio clips

The St. Anthony police officer who killed Philando Castile in July during a traffic stop has been charged with second-degree manslaughter and dangerous discharge of a firearm.

Ramsey County Attorney John Choi announced the charges against Jeronimo Yanez on Wednesday. Prosecutors must take into account that police officers often have to react quickly in dangerous situations, Choi said.

But that was not the case during the incident in Falcon Heights, he said.

Castile's friends and family met the news with surprise and relief, but also sadness.

It's the first time in 36 years, and over 200 shooting deaths by law enforcement, that a Minnesota police officer faces criminal charges in a fatal, on-the-job shooting.

One of the bullets fired by Yanez passed through the driver's side seat but missed a child sitting in the rear passenger side seat of the car, according to the criminal complaint.

Yanez is expected to make his first court appearance Friday.

• Court orders state to reconsider teaching license for ex-cop who killed Castile
• Family, supporters of Philando Castile continue to protest his killing, officer's acquittal
• Valerie Castile says youth give her hope for future