​ST. PAUL — The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed the identity of the subject who died Tuesday night during a use-of-force incident with police. Brian Keith Bertram, 53, died of a shotgun wound to the head. 

The Minneapolis Police Department requested that the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) investigate the incident and the BCA investigation is ongoing.

The BCA has confirmed the identity of the officer who discharged his weapon during that exchange of gunfire.

• Officer Luke Rysavy fired his patrol pistol. He has 19 months of law enforcement experience. He is on standard administrative leave.

Initial reports state that Minneapolis police officers responded to Bertram’s home Tuesday night after a 911 hang-up call. After confirming there were people inside the home who were not answering the front door, Officer Rysavy and another officer entered the home through an open back door. Bertram fired a shotgun at the officers. Pellets from that shot struck Officer Rysavy in his scalp, causing minor wounds. Officer Rysavy returned fire, discharging his pistol once. That bullet struck Bertram in the stomach. The officers then retreated from the home. While they were outside, Bertram shot and killed himself.

Crime scene personnel recovered a shotgun next to Bertram’s body. Officer Rysavy and the other responding officer were wearing body cameras during this incident. BCA agents are reviewing that footage as part of the investigation. There were also witnesses inside the home who have spoken to investigators.

Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will present its findings without recommendation to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office for review.

​###​
 

Bonney Bowman  6517931128
bonney.bowman@state.mn.us