ST. PAUL — The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the man who died May 21 after a use-of-force incident involving Coon Rapids police. According to the medical examiner’s preliminary findings, Robert Edward Davis, 65, of Coon Rapids died of a gunshot wound.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has identified four Coon Rapids police officers who used force during this incident.

• Timothy Morin fired his department-issued handgun. He has seven years of law enforcement experience.
• Steve Minion fired a 40mm less-lethal launcher. He has nine years of law enforcement experience.
• Michael Blair fired a 40mm less-lethal launcher. He has 24 years of law enforcement experience.
• Emily Giese deployed her Taser. She has 13 years of law enforcement experience.

According to the preliminary investigation, on May 21 just after 12 p.m. Coon Rapids officers were called to a domestic incident at a residence on the 300 block of 111th Avenue Northwest in Coon Rapids. The adult female caller reported that a man armed with a knife — later identified as Davis — had cut her and was still in the home.

Coon Rapids officers arrived and tried to make verbal contact with Davis from the entryway of the home. The female caller and another adult male escaped the home while officers negotiated for up to an hour with Davis to surrender. He was still armed with the knife while officers continued communicating with him to drop the weapon and told him that he was under arrest. Officer Minion fired his 40mm less-lethal launcher toward Davis, who then moved further into the home. Officers followed Davis, who was still in possession of the knife. Officers continued giving verbal commands for Davis to drop the knife. Officer Blair then fired his 40mm less-lethal launcher toward Davis. Davis moved toward Officer Morin, who fired his department-issued handgun, striking Davis. Officer Giese deployed her Taser at which point Davis was taken into custody. Officers provided life-saving care, but Davis later died at the hospital.

The injured female was treated and released after receiving care for an injury to her hand. Davis and that female were in a long-term relationship and were living together.   

BCA crime scene personnel recovered a folding utility knife. The officers were wearing body cameras during the incident. BCA agents are reviewing that video as they continue to investigate this incident.

The Coon Rapids Police Department requested the BCA investigate this incident. Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will present its findings without a charging recommendation to the Anoka County Attorney’s Office for review.