Press Releases – BCA identifies officers who used force in Crookston incident

​ST. PAUL – The University of North Dakota Department of Forensic Pathology has identified the man killed in a violent shooting in Crookston, Minnesota, on June 30. According to the forensic pathologist, 44-year-old Christopher Ryan Junkin died of multiple gunshot wounds.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has determined the identities of the police officers who used force in this incident.

• Crookston Police Officer Nick Fladland deployed his taser and fired his service weapon. He has five years of police experience and is on critical incident leave.

• Crookston police officer Corey Rich deployed his Taser. He has two years of experience in law enforcement.

• Polk County Deputy April Hansen deployed a chemical irritant and her taser. She has 14 years of law enforcement experience.

According to the preliminary investigation, Crookston police officers and Polk County sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of men fighting at a homeless shelter. When they arrived, they made contact with Junkin, who was actively smashing items inside the shelter, including furniture. Junkin ignored their verbal commands to stop and placed his hands behind his back. Fladland, Rich, and Hansen all deployed their Tasers during the incident. Hansen also deployed a chemical irritant such as pepper spray. The officers and deputies retreated down a hallway and Junkin followed. At one point, Fladland fired his handgun, striking Junkin. Officers rendered medical aid, but Junkin died at the scene.

BCA crime scene personnel found shell casings at the scene. Officers and deputies wore body cameras that recorded portions of the incident. BCA agents are reviewing all available video as part of the ongoing investigation.

The Crookston Police Department has asked the BCA to investigate this incident. Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will submit its findings, without a recommendation of charges, to the Polk County District Attorney’s Office for review.

###