BCA Identifies Officers Who Used Force in Crookston Shooting

University of North Dakota Forensic Pathology has identified the man who was killed in a use-of-force incident last month at a Crookston homeless shelter. 

According to the State Department of Public Safety, Christopher Ryan Junkin (44) died of multiple gunshot wounds. 

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says Crookston police officer Nick Fladland deployed his Taser and fired his department handgun. He has five years of law enforcement experience. He is on critical incident leave. 

According to the preliminary investigation, Crookston police officers and Polk County sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of men fighting on Jun 30, 2024. Junkin was reportedly breaking items inside the shelter when law enforcement officers arrived. Junkin ignored their verbal commands to stop. Following the shooting, the officers provided medical care but Junkin died at the scene.

Media sources in Fargo report Fladland was previously identified as the officer who shot Andrew S. Dale, (35) of Crookston during an incident on May 16. 

The officers and deputies were wearing body cameras that captured portions of the incident. BCA agents are investigating.