Hennepin County Attorney’s Office declines charges in June officer-involved shooting
1/22/2025
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office announced today that the office found no evidence of unlawful behavior by law enforcement and will not be filing any charges related to the death of Michael Warren Ristow, 39, on June 12, 2024.
“The loss of any life is a tragic event,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said. “After a thorough review of the BCA investigation, the decision to decline charges in this case is appropriate. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this incident.”
The decision was made following a thorough review of an independent investigation conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension at the request of the Minneapolis Police Department.
The County Attorney’s Office review of the case was conducted by senior attorneys who recommended charges be declined. County Attorney Mary Moriarty agreed with the recommendation and made the final decision.
According to the BCA’s investigation, Minneapolis Police were dispatched to the 3300 block of Hiawatha Avenue in response to a call regarding a male with a gun.
When officers arrived, they observed Mr. Ristow with an object in his hand and pursued him, repeatedly ordering him to stop.
After further orders to drop the weapon were not followed, Mr. Ristow appeared to rack the slide of the firearm and began raising it to point at several officers who then fired, striking Mr. Ristow. Medical aid was rendered, and Mr. Ristow was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
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