The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has released the identity of the Minnesota State Patrol trooper involved in a recent use-of-force incident that occurred on September 21 near Dowling Avenue North along I-94 in Minneapolis. The trooper, revealed as Mark Vande Steeg, a one-year veteran of law enforcement, is currently on standard critical incident leave following the event, as confirmed by a press release.
Eddie James Freeman III, a 23-year-old Minneapolis resident, has been identified as the individual who exchanged gunfire with Trooper Vande Steeg, resulting in multiple felony charges which include engaging in a shootout on the interstate just moments before the trooper arrived at the scene, been arrested and is being held at the Hennepin County Jail, the BCA has also taken charge of the use-of-force investigation of Trooper Vande Steeg,
As reported by the BCA’s initial findings, Trooper Vande Steeg was responding to a related crash on I-94 when he was suddenly subjected to gunfire by Freeman, at which point Vande Steeg returned fire, albeit no individuals were injured or hit by gunfire in the skirmish, ultimately leading to Freeman's apprehension soon after the gunfight subsided.
Key evidence such as body camera and squad camera footage, along with a handgun and evidence of bullets impacting the squad car, have been recovered from the scene where Freeman was detained, the investigation is far from over and the BCA will continue to scrutinize the use-of-force incident and, once complete, will forward their findings to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office to decide on whether charges should be filed against Trooper Vande Steeg.
