Minnesota police officer cleared in fatal shooting of man who shot him first
Prosecutors say a St. Paul, Minnesota police officer was justified when he fatally shot a man who shot him first
MINNEAPOLIS– A St. Paul police officer was proven right when he fatally shot a man who shot him first, Minnesota prosecutors announced Thursday.
The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office said it concluded that Officer Michael Tschida’s use of deadly force against Brandon DaleShaun Keys, 28, of Maplewood, on Dec. 7 was consistent with state law and that the officer should not face charges to get.
According to a report from two of the office’s top prosecutors, Tschida responded to a 911 call that day from the mother of Keys’ child. She told a dispatcher she had a restraining order against Keys and tried to get away as he repeatedly rammed her van with his car, shattering her windshield. She also said he had a gun.
The vehicles were stopped near the intersection of Cretin and Marshall avenues when Tschida arrived. He ordered Keys to the ground, but Keys appeared behind his car and from a distance of about 10 feet, fired three shots at Tschida, who tried to take cover. One bullet struck Tschida in the leg before he returned fire, the report said. Keys was hit in the head and died the next day.
Tschida told investigators at the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension that he had no doubt Keys was trying to kill him and possibly others, and that he had to shoot to save himself and others.
According to the report, toxicology tests showed the presence of amphetamines, opiates and a cocaine metabolite in Keys’ blood. The mother of his child told investigators he was struggling with addiction.
“The truth is that too often, police officers are called into dangerous situations and must put their lives on the line to protect those who call on them and our community. We must appreciate this act of public service while recognizing the deep loss felt by Mr. Keys’ family and friends,” Ramsey County Attorney John Choi wrote in response to the report.