Third Fullerton ex-cop charged in Kelly Thomas death

FULLERTON, Calif. (KABC) -- A third Fullerton police officer was charged Thursday in the death of Kelly Thomas, a homeless man who was fatally beaten in a police altercation in Fullerton in 2011.

Former Fullerton officer Joseph Wolfe was arraigned Thursday on a felony count of involuntary manslaughter and a felony count of using excessive force. Wolfe pleaded not guilty. He was held on $25,000 bond.

The Orange County District Attorney's Office said Wolfe was indicted on Monday by a grand jury.

Wolfe is one of six officers involved in a violent clash between police the 37-year-old Thomas in July 2011 during an investigation into a report that he was trying car doors at a Fullerton transit hub. Thomas died five days later.

Two other former officers, Manuel Ramos and Jay Cicinelli, were charged last year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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