​ST.  PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has identified the people involved in a use-of-force incident May 25 in Morrison County. John Michael Gans, 33, of Rice suffered wounds from a knife. He remains hospitalized in stable condition.

A Morrison County sheriff's deputy used force during this incident.

• Axel Lange used his knife. He has six years of law enforcement experience and is on critical incident leave.

According to the preliminary investigation, Lange pulled over Gans at about 10:30 p.m. on May 25 for speeding and suspected driving while intoxicated (DWI). After administering a field sobriety test, Lange told Gans he was under arrest for DWI. When Lange tried to place him in handcuffs, Gans resisted and pulled away. The two began to scuffle, and Gans tried to take Lange's handgun. At one point during the more than five minute scuffle, after telling Gans to let go of his gun, Lange used his knife. Lange said he was unable to draw his firearm. Lange and responding backup officers provided life-saving care at the scene until Gans could be taken to the hospital for treatment.

The BCA recovered Lange's knife at the scene. Lange's body-worn and squad car camera captured portions of the incident. BCA agents are reviewing all available video as part of their active investigation.

The Morrison County Sheriff's Office asked the BCA to investigate this incident. Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will present its findings without a charging recommendation to the Morrison County Attorney's Office for review.