Updated: 4:19pm
Authorities have identified the man who died after a firefight with a police officer in northeast Minneapolis on Wednesday night, according to documents released by the Minneapolis City and State Criminal Arrest Service. Police said they believe the man shot himself after the confrontation.
A public information report released by the city identified the deceased as Brian Keith Bertram, 53.
The office of Minneapolis Community Safety Commissioner Cedric Alexander said earlier this week that officers responded to the 3400 block of NE 5th Street following a 911 call.
Officers who entered the back door of the home “encountered an adult male and pointed a gun at him,” Alexander said. The state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) said Friday that Bertram fired a shotgun at the officer, with some bullets hitting officer Luke Rysavy in the scalp.
According to the BCA, Rysavy fired a pistol that hit Bertram in the abdomen before retreating outside. Moments later, a child inside the house told officers Bertram shot himself, according to police documents.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office said Friday that Bertram’s cause of death was a shotgun wound to the head. A shotgun was found next to Bertram’s body.
Rysavy suffered minor injuries and was discharged from hospital after receiving treatment.
A woman and two children were inside the house at the time of the shooting. An accident report released by the city said the woman suffered stab wounds.
Rysavy is currently on standard administrative leave while the incident is investigated. City records show he had one public complaint against him and another was shut down without discipline.
There is body camera footage of the shooting, and Alexander said the city will release it after discussions with the Minneapolis City Attorney and the BCA.
After the BCA concludes its investigation, they will provide the information to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office without recommending any charges.
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