Battle Lake Man Identified in Fatal SWAT Shooting

Battle Lake, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — Authorities have identified the man killed during a SWAT standoff near Battle Lake.

Christopher Steven Olson, 39, of Battle Lake, died during the incident early Saturday, September 26.

The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office identified Olson, according to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

The BCA is investigating the law enforcement use of force.

Welfare Check Leads to SWAT Response

Deputies were called to the 30000 block of Twin Lakes Road around 5:54 p.m. Friday.

A family member had gone to the rural Battle Lake home to check on Olson.

Investigators say Olson answered the door while armed with a shotgun.

The BCA says Olson assaulted the family member before returning inside the home.

Olson then barricaded himself inside, according to investigators.

The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office called its multi-agency SWAT team.

SWAT members attempted to communicate with Olson and get him to surrender.

Investigators say Olson later came outside and fired a shotgun at an armored SWAT vehicle.

He then returned inside the residence.

Authorities continued their response through the night.

At about 3 a.m. Saturday, Olson appeared in a doorway with the shotgun.

A SWAT officer fired a department-issued weapon, striking Olson, according to the BCA.

Officers and a SWAT medic immediately provided medical aid.

Olson was pronounced dead at the scene.

No law enforcement officers were reported injured during the incident.

BCA crime scene investigators documented damage to the armored SWAT vehicle.

Investigators also recovered two shotguns, live ammunition and spent cartridge casings.

More coverage of the incident is available through the Detroit Lakes Tribune.

The Sheriff’s Office asked the BCA to conduct an independent investigation.

When finished, investigators will send their findings to the Otter Tail County Attorney’s Office.

The BCA will not make a recommendation about possible charges.

The county attorney will review the evidence and make that decision.

The investigation remains active.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.