A man wielding a hatchet was shot and killed by a Crookston police officer during a tense early morning encounter on May 16, as per the revelations from a recent investigation. The deceased was identified by the University of North Dakota Forensic Pathology as Andrew Scott Dale, 35, of Crookston, who died from multiple gunshot wounds, as reported by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

Officer Nick Fladland, who discharged his department handgun, has been placed on critical incident leave, following his five-years stint on the force. Likewise, Officer Alex Rudnik, a 10-year law enforcement veteran, deployed his Taser in the altercation and Deputy Matt Benge with five years under his belt, fired 40 mm foam less-lethal rounds, as per the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

According to the account of the incident, officers encountered Dale brandishing the hatchet just before 1 a.m., and upon their approach, he charged towards them. The usage of less-lethal force by Rudnik and Benge was deemed ineffective, prompting Fladland to fire multiple shots that subsequently resulted in Dale's death.

The investigation, initiated at the behest of the Crookston Police Department, remains active. Upon its completion, the BCA will forward its findings to the Polk County Attorney’s Office, which will then decide whether any charges are warranted. Details surrounding the investigation and potential future developments will continue to be monitored and reported.