The incident that unfolded in Coon Rapids on Wednesday, resulting in the death of 65-year-old Robert Edward Davis, has brought to light the names of the officers involved and the circumstances leading to the tragic outcome. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) identified the man who succumbed to a gunshot wound as per the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office’s preliminary findings. The fatal incident occurred during a police call to a domestic situation.
According to the BCA, four officers used force during their attempt to apprehend Davis. Officer Timothy Morin, with seven years on the force, discharged his department-issued handgun. Steve Minion and Michael Blair, with nine and 24 years of experience, respectively, each fired a 40mm less-lethal launcher, while Officer Emily Giese, a 13-year veteran, deployed her Taser. In a release made public by the BCA, the reported domestic incident took place in a residence on the 300 block of 111th Avenue Northwest, where Davis allegedly attacked a woman with a knife.
The situation escalated after Coon Rapids police arrived on the scene and attempted to verbally engage Davis, urging him to surrender. As noted by the BCA, the female victim made an emergency call alleging she had been cut by Davis, who was still armed within the home. A prolonged negotiation ensued for approximately an hour, during which time the female caller and another adult male safely exited the premises. Despite the officers' efforts, Davis clung to the knife, prompting Officer Minion to use his less-lethal launcher as Davis retreated further into the residence. Officer Blair subsequently engaged with a similar less-lethal device before Officer Morin resorted to his handgun when Davis approached him. Immediately following this, Officer Giese used her Taser.
Despite law enforcement providing life-saving measures post-incident, Davis was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital. The injured woman received treatment for a hand injury and was released. She was reportedly in a long-term relationship with Davis. With all four officers equipped with body cameras during the incident, BCA agents are reviewing the recorded footage as part of the ongoing investigation. Once completed, the case will be forwarded without charging recommendations to the Anoka County Attorney’s Office for review.
