ST MICHAEL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) identified a man who was fatally shot by a Wright County deputy in St. Michael earlier this month and the deputy.
The BCA said Jeffrey Chapman, 67, of Albertville died from multiple gunshot wounds following the shooting in the early hours of Saturday, March 2.
"Austin Feenstra fired his department handgun. He has about 10 months of law enforcement experience and is on standard administrative leave," according to the BCA news release.
Investigators said Deputy Feenstra tried to pull over Chapman at around 4:45 a.m. for erratic driving. Chapman drove for about two blocks before he stopped his car on Ivory Avenue Northeast in St. Michael. According to the release, Chapman got out of his car and walked toward Deputy Feenstra.
Deputy Feenstra reportedly issued verbal commands but Chapman refused to obey and continued to walk towards him. Feenstra kept retreating backward, but Chapman allegedly followed him and at one point he pulled out "a length of pipe from his waistband," according to the release.
Officials said Deputy Feenstra fired his weapon, shooting Chapman "multiple" times.
Deputies and first responders tried to save Chapman's life, the BCA said, but they were unsuccessful and Chapman died at the scene.
BCA crime scene teams recovered a nine-inch metal pipe and bullet casings at the scene.
"Feenstra initially said over the radio that Chapman was holding a knife, but saw when he was providing medical aid that it was a length of pipe," according to the release.
Officials said a folding knife was found in Chapman's car but was not involved in the incident.
"The Wright County Sheriff's Office does not have body cameras so there is no body camera video of this incident," according to the BCA news release.
Officials said a squad car camera captured a portion of the incident. BCA agents are reviewing "all available video."
When the BCA investigation is complete, findings will be presented to the Wright County Attorney's Office for review and consideration of criminal charges.
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