BCA identifies man, officer involved in Virginia force incident

ST. PAUL — The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the man who died during a May 1 use-of-force incident in Virginia as Ethan Roy Basche, 31, of Chisholm.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has identified the officer from the Virginia Police Department who used force during this incident. 

• Lt. Henry Trunk fired his department-issued firearm. He has 10 years of law enforcement experience. The Virginia Police Department has placed him on critical incident leave. 

According to the BCA’s preliminary investigation, Virginia police officers responded shortly before 8:30 a.m. on May 1 to a report of a man wearing a ski mask who was walking on the sidewalk along Second Avenue West between Third and Fourth Street North while holding and waving what appeared to be a handgun.

Lt. Trunk located the man, later identified as Basche, and exited his squad car. He shouted commands for Basche to put his hands in the air. Basche then walked toward Lt. Trunk and appeared to raise what was believed to be a firearm. Lt. Trunk then discharged his firearm, striking Basche. 

Officers provided medical aid to Basche until medics arrived and transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

BCA crime scene personnel recovered a ski mask, spent casings and a torch lighter that was consistent with the appearance of a firearm. Body-worn cameras were in use and captured portions of this incident. 

The Virginia Police Department requested the BCA investigate the use-of-force. Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will present its findings without recommendation on charges to the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office for review.