What started as a routine trespassing call in Brooklyn Center on Sunday turned into a violent struggle that left two officers injured and a large dog dead, authorities said.
Police were called to a business in the 6900 block of Brooklyn Boulevard for reports of theft and trespassing, and that a large dog was roaming loose inside the building. Witnesses told officers the dog was inside the store, and the encounter escalated when the man allegedly resisted arrest. Authorities say the suspect used a skateboard and his dog to shove officers away, which sparked a hands-on fight between the man and police.
During the struggle, one officer fired a gun. The dog was hit and rushed to an emergency veterinary clinic, where it died despite life-saving efforts, according to police. The suspect was evaluated at a local hospital, then booked into jail on two outstanding warrants along with additional charges.
Police response and tactics
According to KARE 11, officers arrived after callers reported both theft and trespassing, plus the loose dog inside the business. Investigators say officers tried a range of tools before the gunshot, including 40 mm less-lethal rounds, in an attempt to get the man into custody.
Dog struck during the struggle
KARE 11 reported that officers "deployed a taser six times" while trying to subdue the suspect, and that one officer discharged a firearm during the fight. The dog was struck by that gunfire, taken to an emergency veterinary clinic, and did not survive, authorities said. Police also said the suspect was transported to a local hospital for evaluation, then booked on his warrants and other pending counts.
Who reviews officer use of force
In Minnesota, the Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension typically reviews officer-involved shootings and other serious use-of-force incidents, a process the agency outlines on its website. BCA news releases generally announce when those investigations begin and explain how they move forward. It was not immediately clear whether the BCA had been asked to look into this Brooklyn Center case.
Brooklyn Center police say both injured officers received medical treatment and are expected to return to duty. The investigation remains active, and officials are keeping details limited while charges move through the system.
