Ex-BART officer Johannes Mehserle released from jail 11 months after shooting conviction

(CBS/KPIX/AP)OAKLAND, Calif - Johannes Mehserle, the white former Bay Area Rapid Transit police officer convicted last summer in the fatal shooting of unarmed black passenger Oscar Grant, was released from jail early Monday after serving 11 months of a two-year sentence, officials said.

Pictures: BART Shooting Verdict Unrest

Mehserle, 29, was confined in a Los Angeles County jail since he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter last July for the 2009 New Year's Day shooting at the Fruitvale BART Station, reports CBS station KPIX.

The shooting continues to spark debate, racial tension and occasional protests that have turned violent. On Sunday, about 300 protesters held a fairly peaceful demonstration in downtown Oakland as they vented their continued frustration over the shooting and Mehserle's release.

"People are hurting, and that's understandable," said Oakland Police Chief Anthony Batts, reports the station. "As before, we're asking people to do their first amendment right with care."

The 2009 shooting was recorded by bystanders, and video posted online showed the BART officer firing a bullet into the back of Grant, 22, as he lay face down after being pulled off a train, suspected of fighting.

Mehserle, who faced second degree murder and a maximum of 14 years in prison, testified that he meant to use his stun gun instead of his .40 caliber pistol.

Jurors found Mehserle guilty of involuntary manslaughter, for which he received a two year sentence.

Grant's supporters in Los Angeles plan to march to the U.S. Attorney's office on Monday and demand that the Department of Justice look into possible federal civil rights violations.

Complete Coverage of BART Shooting on Crimesider