Statement from Saint Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell regarding March 15 officer involved shooting

City of St. Paul sent this bulletin at 12/15/2017 01:42 PM CST

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 Public Information Office
Steve Linders - Public Information Manager
Sgt. Mike Ernster - Public Information Officer

651-755-7195 | @SPPDpio

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FRIDAY, DEC. 15, 2017

 

Chief Todd Axtell’s statement regarding Ramsey County Attorney’s decision on March 15 officer involved shooting:

 

What happened on Wednesday, March 15, is a tragedy.

My heart goes out to the Handy family, who has lost a loved one. I also feel for the officers who ran towards danger, had a stolen gun pointed at them and were forced to take action. They did not choose the situation; the situation chose them.

And their lives have been forever changed.

The investigation revealed evidence that shows the violence, terror and danger endured by those in the apartment building and neighborhood during the minutes that preceded the incident. Sixteen shots were fired inside the apartment. Lives were put at risk. Officers showed incredible restraint, giving Mr. Handy multiple opportunities to drop his weapon.

And even then, he made the decision to point his gun at them.

While the investigation clearly shows that our officers did everything they could to pursue a different outcome, I take no solace in the fact that our officers were put in such a dangerous position and a man lost his life.    

 

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