In the early morning hours of November 21, 2018, a call to 911 regarding a suicidal male set in motion a tragic chain of events in Stillwater, Minnesota. Responding to the 1200 block of Fourth Street South, officers from the Stillwater, Bayport, and Oak Park Heights police departments encountered 22-year-old Keaton James Larson, a White male, who was armed with a knife. The situation escalated quickly as officers attempted to de-escalate the confrontation. Despite their efforts, which included the deployment of Tasers by three separate officers, they were unable to subdue Larson.
According to reports from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension who were called in to investigate the incident, Larson did not respond to commands to drop the weapon. The encounter, captured on body cameras and squad car cameras, showed Larson advancing towards the officers. In the ensuing confrontation, Stillwater police officer Hunter Julien discharged his firearm, striking Larson. Emergency medical aid was administered at the scene, and Larson was transported to Lakeview Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's office later confirmed that Keaton James Larson died from a single gunshot wound. At the scene, investigators recovered a kitchen knife and a razor blade.
The aftermath of the shooting led to a thorough investigation by the BCA. The officers involved, including Officer Julien and the three officers who deployed their Tasers—Stillwater officer Laura McBroom, Oak Park Heights officer Brian Tennessen, and Bayport officer Brittany Lepowsky—were placed on standard administrative leave. The Washington County Attorney's Office reviewed the BCA's findings and, in February 2019, announced that no criminal charges would be filed against Officer Julien. The county attorney, Pete Orput, stated that the officer's use of deadly force was justified under the circumstances. Body camera footage released later showed officers pleading with Larson to drop the knife before he charged at them. The incident highlighted the challenges law enforcement face when responding to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, a point of concern raised by Larson's family and community members.
