A review by the Washington County Attorney's Office determined that a North Branch police officer lawfully used deadly force when he shot a woman who pointed a gun at him in June.
According to a news release, the decision came on Monday after prosecutors reviewed an extensive Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigation.
On June 27, 2024, officers responded to a call about a woman, identified as 36-year-old Jamie Crabtree, leaving home intoxicated with a handgun in a case.
The report said she had made a statement about committing "suicide by cop."
When two officers arrived at her location, they saw Crabtree was holding the gun. She didn't comply with commands to put down the firearm.
The release states that North Branch officer Kyle Miller fired several pepperball rounds at Crabtree, who raised her right hand, holding the object the officers believed was a gun.
When she pointed the gun at officer Duane Southworth, he fired 23 rounds at her. After Crabtree fell to the ground, she rolled back toward the gun, and Southworth discharged one additional round.
Officers began rendering aid about 15 minutes after Crabtree was shot, after a Chisago County Sheriff's Office deputy coordinated a plan to approach her by using his vehicle as a moving shield.
Southworth and Miller reported to the BCA that they were aware of a previous incident in Minneapolis where a police officer was killed by a suspect who pretended to be injured before rolling over and shooting as the officer approached to render aid.
Crabtree was pronounced deceased at the scene as a result of her gunshot wounds. A gun containing fully-loaded magazines and an unloaded semi-automatic handgun were recovered.
The Washington County Attorney’s Office also concluded that the responding officers did not violate Minnesota’s criminal law regarding rendering aid to gunshot victims.
