CONTACT:
Mike Ernster 
Michael.Ernster@state.mn.us
651-793-2422

Jan. 22, 2026

BCA releases information regarding use-of-force investigation involving federal officer in Minneapolis

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has been requested by the Minneapolis Police Department to investigate a Jan. 14 use-of-force incident involving a federal officer.

According to the BCA’s preliminary investigation, federal officers were pursuing a vehicle when it crashed into a snowbank on the 600 block of 24th Avenue North just before 7 p.m. on Jan. 14. The adult male driving the vehicle then ran to a nearby home. The pursuing federal officer caught up to him in front of the home and an altercation took place. Another adult male from the home also became involved in the altercation. Based on the BCA’s preliminary investigative information, a broom may have been involved in the altercation. At some point, the federal officer fired his handgun, striking one of the males.    

Minneapolis police officers and Hennepin County medics were called to the scene. The male who was shot, Julio Sosa-Celis, 24, sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot to the leg and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The federal officer was injured and transported to a hospital for treatment. The other male at the home was taken into custody by federal officers on the scene.

BCA crime scene personnel and agents with the BCA’s Force Investigations Unit responded to begin their investigation. FBI investigators were also on scene conducting their own investigation of the incident.

BCA crime scene personnel could not complete their work the night of this incident due to safety concerns. They recovered a plastic shovel and photographed the scene before having to end their normal processing and leave due to the dangerous activity of a crowd that had formed nearby. Following additional investigation by the BCA, it was determined that a follow-up search warrant should be executed. On Jan. 21, BCA personnel recovered a broom, a shell casing and a bullet while executing that warrant. BCA agents have not been permitted to speak with the federal officer involved in this incident and have not been provided with information, including the officer’s identity or whether the officer was wearing a body camera. The FBI has communicated that they do not intend to share any results of their initial investigation with BCA agents.    

The BCA requests anyone who captured video of the incident or has other firsthand information that they believe may be helpful to the investigation to send it to the BCA at bca.tips@state.mn.us.

The BCA investigation will continue to the fullest extent possible while meeting the investigative standards required by Minnesota law. When the investigation is complete, the BCA will present its findings without recommendation to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office for review.

About the Minnesota Department of Public Safety

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s more than 2,400 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.

About the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension

The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension provides investigative and specialized law enforcement services to prevent and solve crimes in partnership with law enforcement, public safety and criminal justice agencies. Services include forensic laboratory analysis, criminal histories, investigations and criminal justice training.

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