Trooper Cleared in Killing of Unarmed Man He Shot After High-Speed Chase

A New York state trooper was acquitted of manslaughter charges on Wednesday in the killing of an unarmed man in downtown Buffalo after a high-speed highway chase.

The trooper, Anthony Nigro IV, was found not guilty of first- and second-degree manslaughter charges by Judge James Bargnesi of Erie County Court following a bench trial.

New York’s attorney general, Letitia James, charged Trooper Nigro last June in the fatal shooting of the man, James Huber, 38, of North East, Pa., in February 2022. Trooper Nigro, 40, of Eden, N.Y., had faced up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

Charles W. Murphy, the president of the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association, said in a statement that the union was pleased with the verdict.

“We commend the judge for his decision, as it is clear the charges were not applicable to this case,” Mr. Murphy said, adding, “Trooper Nigro’s actions were in accordance with his training and the law, and he was justified in his use of force.”

Andrew Quinn, a lawyer for Trooper Nigro, declined further comment.

A spokeswoman for Ms. James said in a statement that the office “remains committed to conducting thorough and transparent investigations of every case, following the facts and pursuing justice.”