(KMOV) -- An Overland police officer charged with manslaughter is out of jail after surrendering on a charge that he killed a man by pushing him down some stairs.
Andrew Ringeisen, 34, of Troy, Missouri, surrendered two days after he was charged, posted bond, and was released.
Ringeisen is facing first degree manslaughter charges in the death of Kenneth Hamilton.
Captain Michael Laws of the Overland Police Department confirms Ringeisen was among officers responding on March 20, to the 2600 block of West Milton on a road rage call. A citizen complained that a motorist was using a police light in an incident of road rage and police tracked it to Hamilton's address.
According to prosecutors, about 10:45 during that call, Officer Ringeisen got into a verbal altercation with Hamilton and pushed him down a flight of stairs. Hamilton suffered massive head injuries and died at the hospital on March 25.
The day after the incident and several days before Hamilton's death, Overland Police contacted St. Louis County Police to conduct the investigation. Captain Laws says his intent was to avoid any conflict of interest. That investigation led to the charges.
Ringeisen is on paid leave of absence, as are other officers who were there that night. Captain Laws refused to identify which officers were there, or how many were there. Prosecutor Bob McCulloch says no charges are anticipated against any other officer.
Ringeisen's bond was set at $40,000 cash.
Hamilton's relatives have retained an attorney, who tells News 4 a lawsuit is likely. Involuntary manslaughter in the first degree carries a penalty of seven years in the penitentiary.
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