Wright County Deputies Fatally Shoot Man Wielding Knife in Otsego
FILE PHOTO
OTSEGO—Deputies with the Wright County Sheriff’s Office fatally shot a man early Sunday morning after he reportedly fled from a residence while armed with a knife.
According to a media release from the sheriff’s office, deputies were called at 12:52 a.m. to the 12000 block of 72nd Court Northeast in Otsego. A caller had reported that a man was threatening physical harm to his family and himself.
Authorities said the man “was having mental health challenges,” according to the media release.
Deputies arrived and were able to make contact with the man, who then agreed to go to the hospital for an evaluation.
An ambulance was called, and while waiting for the ambulance, the man fled back into the home and grabbed a knife, authorities said.
He then left the home and ran into the neighborhood. A perimeter was set and a State Patrol helicopter was called to assist with the search.
Deputies later made contact with the man in the backyard of a nearby residence. Two deputies deployed Taser devices, which were reportedly unsuccessful. The man then threatened deputies with the knife while in close proximity and two deputies discharged their firearms, striking the man.
Life-saving measures were immediately started until paramedics arrived. The man was transported by ambulance to North Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure after an officer-involved shooting.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension had been called to investigate the incident.
The identities of the man and the officers involved have not been released yet.
A partial timeline of the incident, according to initial law enforcement dispatch audio reviewed by MN CRIME:
12:54 a.m.: Officers being dispatched to a mental health/site call at the 72nd Ct. NE address. Male threatening to kill his family; he took pills and is ”out of it”.
1:02 a.m.: The deputy on scene is calling a code 4, and medics are clear to enter to evaluate the PIC for mental health concerns.
1:09 a.m.: Deputy asking for emergency traffic. Saying that the male PIC has knife.
1:10 a.m.: Deputies think that the male PIC may be in the garage.
1:15 a.m.: Clearing emergency traffic, however they’re still searching for the PIC male.
2:23 a.m.: Officers spotted the male running behind the residence.
2:36 a.m.: A deputy on scene calling out a taser deployment, also calling one at gunpoint.
2:36 a.m.: A deputy calling out “shots fired, shots fired”.
2:43 a.m.: Medics on scene. Fire requested to respond.
2:53 a.m.: Setting up a crime scene for investigation.
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