Assault charge dropped against 2nd officer in Bear Heels case

The Douglas County Attorney is dismissing the misdemeanor assault charge against one of the officers involved in the 2017 incident that led to the in-custody death of Zachary Bear Heels.

Former Omaha Police Officer Ryan McClarty was one of two officers charged after Bear Heels was beaten and tased repeatedly outside a gas station near 60th and Center in summer 2017. Former OPD Officer

in December.

A Friday release from Don Kleine's office states review and analysis of the audio and video taken from the scene did not offer proof "beyond a reasonable doubt that McClarty was not justified in his actions."

"We will continue to work with the Omaha Police Department as we have in the past to ensure officers are receiving the training they need to better handle these types of situations," the release states.