The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is no longer investigating the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Robert Erle.
The BCA's involvement in the case is over, confirmed a BCA spokeswoman Wednesday afternoon.
The matter has now been turned over to the Beltrami County Attorney, who is continuing the process of looking into the Aug. 7 shooting.
According to previous releases:
Erle, 18, called 911 at about 12:12 p.m. Aug. 7 and reported feeling ill. When staff from the Bemidji Ambulance Service, which is stationed a few blocks away, arrived at 228 Kay Ave. S.E. in Nymore, Erle requested a police officer be sent to the home. Medical personnel called the Law Enforcement Center at about 12:25 p.m. to report that the man had blood on him and also had a knife in his possession.
ADVERTISEMENT
Bemidji Police Officer Nathan Jager arrived a short time later, and within seconds, Erle allegedly removed a knife from his pocket and lunged toward the officer. A struggle ensued between Jager and Erle, during which Jager lost possession of his Taser. When Erle continued to chase Jager with his knife, the officer fired a single shot with his handgun, which struck Erle in the chest.
Officer Becki Pederson then arrived, and both officers attempted to subdue Erle. When Erle again came at Jager with his knife, Jager fired another shot that hit Erle in the chest a second time.
Witnesses told BCA investigators that during the confrontation, Erle yelled "Shoot me" at the officers.
Erle was taken to North Country Regional Hospital in Bemidji where he died.
Both officers had been placed on administrative leave during the BCA investigation.
Jager has been with the Bemidji Police Department since 2008. Pederson has been with the department since 2003.
The Bemidji Pioneer and the Herald are Forum Communications Co. newspapers.
