University of North Dakota Forensic Pathology has identified the man killed May 16 in a use-of-force incident in Crookston. According to the forensic pathologist, Andrew Scott Dale, 35, of Crookston died of multiple gunshot wounds.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has identified two Crookston police officers and one Polk County sheriff’s deputy who used force during this incident.
• Officer Nick Fladland fired his department handgun. He has five years of law enforcement experience and is on critical incident leave.
• Officer Alex Rudnik deployed his Taser. He has 10 years of law enforcement experience.
• Deputy Matt Benge fired 40 mm foam less-lethal rounds. He has five years of law enforcement experience.
According to the preliminary investigation, just before 1 a.m. on May 16, the officers came upon Dale walking in the road with a hatchet. They made contact with him, and he ran toward them, still holding the hatchet. Rudnik and Benge used less-lethal force, but it was ineffective. Fladland fired his department handgun, striking Dale multiple times. The officers provided life-saving care, but Dale later died at the hospital.
BCA crime scene personnel recovered a hatchet and cartridge casings at the scene. Body-worn cameras captured portions of the incident. BCA agents are reviewing all available video as part of the active investigation.
The Crookston Police Department asked the BCA to investigate this incident. Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will present its findings without a charging recommendation to the Polk County Attorney’s Office for review.
