FRIDLEY, Minn. - The man who was shot in the face after a car accident led to a fight on Highway 65 has died from his injuries, according to authorities.
The man was identified by the Anoka County Sheriff's Office as Simon Matthew Schiffler, 33, of Williston, North Dakota.
Schiffler was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center Wednesday afternoon after witnesses say he was shot by a bystander after he was acting "extremely erratically" following a crash on Highway 65 at Medtronic Parkway.
The Anoka County Sheriff's Office reports witnesses say Schiffler accosted multiple people at the scene, physically pinned one driver to a passerby's vehicle and then groped and attempted to kiss a woman who was involved in the crash.
He then grabbed a large knife and attempted to assault another driver in the crash, according to witness statements.
Authorities say that driver ducked back into his vehicle while Schiffler began stabbing at the windows, trying to break the glass.
It was at this point that an armed bystander, who was not involved in the crash, stopped to try to help the trapped driver. Witnesses tell police Schiffler "aggressively and intentionally" engaged the armed man and the man fired his weapon.
The Anoka County Sheriff's Office tells KARE 11 Schiffler was shot in the face and transported to HCMC where he died from his injuries.
The man who shot him stayed on the scene and cooperated with officers, according to police.
Another motorist who was involved was brought to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries sustained in the crash.
Authorities say due to the amount of traffic in the area at the time of the crash, they believe there may be more witnesses to the crash and shooting. They ask anyone with information to contact the Anoka County Sheriff's Office immediately at 763-427-1212.