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Man fatally shot by Wright County deputy identified
BCA officials said the deputy initially said over the radio that the suspect was holding a knife, but later saw it was a pipe.
ST MICHAEL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) identified a man who was fatally shot by a Wright County deputy in St. Michael earlier this month and the deputy.
The BCA said Jeffrey Chapman, 67, of Albertville died from multiple gunshot wounds following the shooting in the early hours of Saturday, March 2.
“Austin Feenstra fired his department handgun. He has about 10 months of law enforcement experience and is on standard administrative leave,” according to the BCA news release.
Officials said Deputy Feenstra tried to pull over Chapman at around 4:45 a.m. for erratic driving. Chapman drove for about two blocks before he stopped his car on Ivory Avenue Northeast in St. Michael. According to the release, Chapman got out of his car and walked toward Deputy Feenstra.
Officials said Deputy Feenstra issued verbal commands but Chapman refused to obey and continued to walk towards him.
Deputy Feenstra kept retreating backward however Chapman followed him and at one point he pulled out “a length of pipe from his waistband,” according to the release.
Officials said Deputy Feenstra fired his weapon, shooting Chapman “multiple” times.
Deputies and first responders tried to save Chapman’s life, officials said, but they were unsuccessful and Chapman died at the scene.
BCA crime scene teams said they recovered a nine-inch metal pipe and bullet casings at the scene.
“Feenstra initially said over the radio that Chapman was holding a knife, but saw when he was providing medical aid that it was a length of pipe,” according to the release.
Officials said a folding knife was found in Chapman’s car but it was not involved in the incident.
“The Wright County Sheriff’s Office does not have body cameras so there is no body camera video of this incident,” according to the release.
Officials said a squad car camera captured a portion of the incident. BCA agents are reviewing “all available video.”
When the BCA investigation is complete, BCA officials will give its findings to the Wright County Attorney’s Office for review.
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The suspect was 17 at the time of the shooting, but he was charged as an adult.
A St. Paul man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, more than two years after a drive-by shooting left a 17-year-old dead.
Casimir Semlak, of St. Paul, was charged with shooting 17-year-old Anthony Skelley in May 2022 during an apparent drug deal in South St. Paul. Police say a search of Skelley’s cell phone uncovered that the last number he was in communication with was linked to the suspect.
Semlak was also 17 at the time but was charged in the adult court system.
Following his death, family members told KARE 11 in a statement that Skelley was a junior attending St. Paul Public Schools’ Gateway to College program, and had “a beautiful soul with a cheerful presence and a joyful spirit.”
Semlak will be sentenced in January 2025.
The Moorhead Police Department said Paige Reinke was last seen Sunday wearing a blue sweatshirt and gray sweatpants.
MOORHEAD, Minn. — Officials are asking for the public’s help locating a 17-year-old Moorhead girl that is believed to be endangered.
According to the Moorhead Police Department, Paige Reinke was last seen Sunday near the 2600 block of River Drive North wearing a blue sweatshirt and gray sweatpants. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) describes her as 5-foot-4, 155 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Moorhead Police Department at 701-451-7660.
“The Power of a Transformed Woman” is Twyla Martin’s raw, unapologetic story about strength, transformation and rising above trauma.
ST PAUL, Minn. — A Minnesota author and motivational speaker has written a new book and is holding a panel discussion.
“The Power of a Transformed Woman” is Twyla Martin’s raw, unapologetic story about strength, transformation, and rising above trauma.
On Friday, Nov. 1, Martin will speak with a panel at CSPS Hall in St. Paul about her book release.
- Twyla Martin – Author
- Nekima Levy Armstrong – Civil rights attorney, activities, and community organizer
- Chantel Sings – Powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, and performer
- Ashley DuBose – Singer, songwriter
- Jamela Pettiford – Vocalist and actress
- Lissa Jones – Speaker, advocate for African American history and culture
- Robin Hickman-Winfield – Producer, filmmaker, and CEO of SoulTouch Productions
- Alana Carrington – Creative professional with expertise in the arts, education, and community development
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