CROOKSTON, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has released new details regarding the fatal shooting of a man by Crookston police at the Care and Share Center on June 30th. According to the BCA, 44-year-old Christopher Ryan Junkin died of multiple gunshot wounds as confirmed by forensic pathology from the University of North Dakota.
The officers involved in the incident have been identified:
- Nick Fladeland – Crookston Police Officer with 5 years of experience. Deployed his Taser and fired his department handgun, resulting in Junkin’s death. Fladeland is currently on critical incident leave.
- Corey Rich – Crookston Police Officer with 2 years of experience. Deployed his Taser during the incident.
- April Hansen – Polk County Deputy with 14 years of experience. Used a chemical irritant and her Taser.
The incident occurred when Crookston police and Polk County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of men fighting at the homeless shelter. Upon arrival, they found Junkin actively breaking items, including furniture, and ignoring commands to stop. After less lethal measures failed, the officers backed down a hallway with Junkin following them, at which point Fladeland fired his handgun.
Despite immediate medical care, Junkin died at the scene. The officers’ body cameras captured portions of the incident, which are currently under review by BCA agents. Crime scene personnel recovered cartridge casings, and the BCA’s investigation will be submitted to the Polk County Attorney’s Office for review upon completion.
I’m Neil Berg reporting for trfnews.i234.me