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

​ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has identified the individuals involved in a May 4 use-of-force incident in Chanhassen. 31-year-old Derek West of Bloomington was shot multiple times. He is in stable condition at Hennepin County Medical Center.

Two Carver County Sheriff’s deputies used force during this incident. Both are on leave due to critical incidents.

• James Horvath fired his department pistol. He has 19 years of experience in law enforcement.

• Benjamin Sinko fired his service pistol. He has four and a half years of experience in law enforcement.

According to the preliminary investigation, Carver County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a home in Chanhassen on the afternoon of May 4 for reports of a domestic incident. They stood outside talking to the person who made the call when West left the house with a knife in his hand and a white face covering. He ran toward the officers, ignoring commands to stop and drop the knife. One of the deputies stumbled backwards and fell as West continued to run toward them. Horvath and Sinko both shot at West, hitting him several times. Deputies performed life-saving measures until West was transported to the hospital, where he remains in stable condition.

BCA crime scene personnel recovered a 10-inch knife and bullet casings at the scene. Horvath and Sinko wore body cameras that captured portions of the incident. BCA agents are reviewing all available videos as part of the ongoing investigation.

The Carver County Sheriff’s Office has asked the BCA to investigate this incident. Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will submit its findings to the Carver County Prosecutor’s Office for review without a fee recommendation.​

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