The Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has released the identities of the Rochester man and police officer at the heart of a recent use-of-force incident. Luis Enrique Ovalle, 29, was the subject of the incident that occurred in the early morning hours of June 29, according to a press release from the BCA. The officer involved, identified as James Perry, a ten-year veteran of the force, has been placed on critical incident leave by the Rochester Police Department.
The BCA's preliminary investigation revealed that the incident began when Officer Perry tried to stop Ovalle, who was driving a white Dodge Caravan. Rather than comply, Ovalle chose to quickly flee, disappearing from the officer's view. This confrontation unfolded shortly after Perry had responded to a call just before 11 p.m., as a caller reported Ovalle being intoxicated and armed with a knife. Unfortunately, before the police's arrival, Ovalle had already left the scene.
Later that night, Perry located Ovalle at an address on the 2700 block of First Avenue Southwest. It was here that the situation escalated; when Perry activated his emergency lights and issued commands, Ovalle exited the van carrying what appeared to be a rifle. This prompted Perry to discharge his firearm once. Ovalle then retreated into the home, rifle in hand. The standoff that ensued ended peacefully with Ovalle's surrender.
After the confrontation, BCA crime scene personnel found both a spent casing and what was later determined to be a replica rifle at the scene. During the incident, all officers were equipped with body cameras. The BCA is reviewing this footage as it continues to thoroughly investigate the sequence of events. As standard protocol, once the BCA concludes its inquiry, it'll forward their findings to the Olmsted County Attorney's Office for review, withholding any recommendations.
Meanwhile, the Rochester Police Department is also conducting an internal review into the incidents leading up to Perry's use of force.
