BCA releases identities of man, deputies involved in Wright County use-of-force incident
Dec. 5, 2025
ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has identified the man involved in the use-of-force incident in Monticello on Nov. 25 as Dwayne Trunnell, 18, of Monticello.
The BCA also identified the Wright County deputies who used force during this incident. The Wright County Sheriff’s Office placed both deputies on critical incident leave.
- Deputy Benjamin Skweres discharged his firearm. He has five years of law enforcement experience.
- Deputy Kyle Phillips deployed his Taser. He has one year of law enforcement experience.
According to the BCA’s preliminary investigation, Deputies Skweres and Phillips responded just before 9 p.m. on Nov. 25 to the 900 block of Golf Course Road in Monticello on a report of a man in the street armed with a knife.
When the deputies arrived, they located the man, later identified as Dwayne Trunnell, walking in the street holding a knife. Deputies repeatedly ordered Trunnell to drop the knife. Trunnell did not drop the knife and quickly advanced toward the deputies with the knife in his hand. Deputy Phillips deployed his Taser toward Trunnell and Deputy Skweres fired his handgun. Trunnell fell to the ground but stood back up and continued to advance on the deputies. Deputies continued shouting commands for Trunnell to drop the weapon but he continued to move toward them with the knife still in his hand. Deputy Skweres fired again and Trunnell fell to the ground. Trunnell then stood back up and ran a short distance before collapsing and dropping the knife. First responders provided medical aid to Trunnell and took him to a local hospital for treatment.
BCA crime scene personnel recovered a knife, Taser with spent cartridge, and spent cartridge casings as well as video from body worn camera’s worn by the deputies.
The Wright County Sheriff’s Office requested the BCA investigate this use-of-force incident. Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will present its findings without recommendation to the Wright County Attorney’s Office for review.
