The police officer identified in the shooting of an unarmed African American man in Minneapolis began his career with the San Diego Police Department.
Jamar Clark, 24, was shot in the head Sunday during a struggle with officers responding to an assault call, according to Minneapolis Police Department officials.
Clark's death has sparked days of protests with community members demanding the release of video capturing moments of the shooting and police union leadership suggesting officers toughen their stance on protesters.
Officers Mark Ringgenberg and Dustin Schwarze have been identified as the officers involved in that call. NBC 7 News has learned Ringgenberg began his law enforcement career with the San Diego Police Department.
According to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the state agency investigating the shooting, officers claim Clark was interfering with paramedics who were trying to treat a woman however community members claim Clark was handcuffed.
On Thursday, the head of the Minneapolis police union said Clark had his hands on an officer's gun.
State officials have said no video will be released because the investigation is ongoing, NBC News reported.
Local
NBC 7 has learned Ringgenberg was employed by the San Diego Police Department from July 2008 - March 2012. He graduated St. Mary's College with a Criminal Justice degree just two months before he was hired in San Diego, documents show.
According to Ringgenberg’s application posted online by Minnesota Public Radio, he was “selected to serve on the Central Division Crime Suppression Team” and worked with narcotics and gang units in the Logan Heights community.
His resume also stated that he was “chosen to work on the Gaslamp Enforcement Team” where he said he worked with undercover drug operations and crimes involving the homeless.
He states he earned several commendations for exemplary work while serving in SDPD.
San Diego Police Department Media Relations Coordinator Travis V. Easter would not elaborate on Ringgenberg's time within the department. Here is his full statement:
"Officer Mark Ringgenberg was an officer with the San Diego Police Department from July 2008-March 2012. During that time, he was a Police Officer II with a salary of $69,000 dollars a year. The San Diego Police Department is unable to honor any further requests for additional information pertaining to Officer Ringgenberg. Personnel files are exempt from disclosure under California state law."
Mark Ringgenberg MPD File by Minnesota Public Radio
Check back for updates on this developing story.
