No prison sentence for Fresno police officer who hit and killed pedestrian

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) – A Fresno police officer was sentenced this week to a year of probation and 400 hours of community service for hitting and killing a pedestrian.

Officer Benito Soto pleaded guilty Wednesday to involuntary manslaughter without gross negligence.

Investigators say Soto was texting while driving his police car west on Fresno Street when he struck 51-year-old Jose Pulido on September 5, 2020.

According to authorities, the officer had a green light at the time and hit Pulido as he was entering the crosswalk while pushing a bicycle.

Pulido later died in hospital.

The officer must complete at least 200 hours of community service by September 26.

Soto also has a court hearing on the same day to ensure he has completed that time.