“No Charges Filed in Shooting Death of Minnesota Corrections Officer”

Minnesota corrections officer Tyler Abel was shot and killed by law enforcement officers outside his Wisconsin home on June 3. However, after an investigation, it has been determined that the officers’ use of lethal force was justified and done in self-defense, and no charges will be filed against them.

Abel’s wife had called 911, reporting that her husband was “out of control” and threatening to bring out his AR-15. When officers arrived at the scene, Abel’s wife was outside, but she informed them that their two children were still inside the house, and there were more firearms present. Abel was seen through an open door in the garage, and officers told him to surrender and that he was under arrest. However, Abel responded with threats, saying, “You are going to have to shoot me and kill me” and “I’m going to (expletive) kill you.”

Despite attempts to negotiate with Abel and peacefully resolve the situation, he walked out of the house with a rifle in his hands and pointed it at the officers. In response, Officer Katie Chevrier and Sheriff Sgt. Chase Durand fired a total of four rounds, killing Abel. It was later discovered that the rifle Abel was carrying was a .22 caliber pellet gun.

The investigation determined that the officers’ use of lethal force was reasonable and justified. Despite the misunderstanding about the type of weapon Abel had, the officers believed that he was about to use lethal force against them, leading to their decision to shoot in self-defense.

In reviewing the body camera footage, it was found that the officers acted diligently and professionally throughout the tense situation. They attempted to negotiate with Abel and resolve the situation peacefully.

While this incident is undoubtedly tragic, the investigation has concluded that the officers acted within the bounds of the law and in self-defense..