MN trooper cleared in shooting

[Copper51]

http://www.kstp.com/article/stories/S41171.shtml?cat=1
Dash cam video if you follow link.


Sherburne County trooper cleared in deadly traffic stop
ELK RIVER, Minn. (AP) - A state trooper who was dragged by a motorist after a traffic stop was justified in shooting and killing the driver, Sherburne County authorities said Tuesday.

Trooper Andrew Thelen has been on paid administrative leave since he shot William Krawchuk, 27, of Big Lake on March 17.

Thelen pulled Krawchuk over in Becker for suspicion of drunken driving, then shot him after Krawchuk sped up and dragged Thelen for nearly a third of a mile, according to authorities.

At a news conference Tuesday, authorities released a video showing some of the encounter, in which Thelen was dragged at speeds exceeding 55 miles per hour. Sheriff Bruce Anderson said Krawchuk had a blood-alcohol content of 0.288, more than three times the legal limit for driving.

Anderson added these details:

-Krawchuk grabbed the trooper's arm when he tried to open the car door.

-Thelen twice ordered the driver to stop the car or he would be shot. Krawchuk did not respond and was shot once in the head. The shot was fired at least 13 seconds after the dragging of Thelen began.

Court records show that Krawchuk had been convicted of drunken driving at least three times and had several other run-ins with the law for such things as domestic assault and disorderly conduct.

Thelen has 10 years of experience in law enforcement, the last three years as a trooper.


(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

[lewisipso]