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The state investigative agency looking into the facts surrounding a use of force incident in North Branch, June 27,  that killed a 36-year-old woman has released the names of the two involved officers.   

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension reports two-year officer, Duane Southworth, fired his department rifle. The second North Branch officer,  Kyle Miller, used non-lethal ammunition. He has one and a half year of law enforcement service.

The BCA states the preliminary investigation determined the victim, identified as Jaimie Ann Crabtree, was walking in the street with a bottle of alcohol and a gun in a case.  Officers were dispatched for a “suicidal’ person who was armed, based on a call to authorities about 9 p.m.

The BCA says she appears to not acknowledge the officers’ orders to drop the case and Miller deployed the pepper ball rounds.  Body worn camera footage then shows Crabtree pointing something at the officers and Officer Southworth fired, striking Crabtree. Medical care was started and Lakes Region EMS arrived, but the victim died.

BCA investigators are still reviewing the videotape footage and squad car camera recordings. The BCA will report final findings to the Washington County Attorney’s office to avoid any perception of conflict of interest.

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