​ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is investigating a use-of-force incident involving the Minnesota State Patrol and the Pine County Sheriff's Office. It happened around 4 p.m. on northbound Interstate 35 between mile markers 187 and 188, a few miles south of Sandstone. Minnesota State Patrol troopers were pursuing a vehicle for speeding when it went off the road and into a ditch. Prior to the vehicle leaving the road, troopers had deployed stop sticks but it's unclear if they were effective. Pine County sheriff's deputies arrived on scene. The subject, who was the driver and alone in the vehicle, did not exit the vehicle and was not responding to commands. At one point, a deputy fired less-than-lethal rounds, which broke vehicle windows, then deployed a K-9. The subject still did not respond. When deputies approached, they saw the subject deceased inside the vehicle with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the head. A handgun was recovered from inside. No trooper or deputy fired their service weapon. This investigation is still in the early stages. Troopers and deputies were wearing body cameras. The BCA will release more information pending further investigation.

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Bonney Bowman  651-793-1128
bonney.bowman@state.mn.us