Rochester Police Fatally Shoot Man After Struggle Over Officer's Firearm

Incident occurred during attempt to place man on mental health hold

Mar. 12, 2026 at 11:06am

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Rochester police officers responding to a mental health crisis call shot and killed a man after he grabbed an officer's firearm during a struggle to take him into custody for a 72-hour emergency mental health hold.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces when responding to mental health crises, and the potential for escalation of force when individuals are in distress. It also raises questions about police training and protocols for de-escalation and crisis intervention.

The details

According to police, officers from the Rochester Police Department and a social worker from the Crisis Response Team responded to a 911 call about a man experiencing a mental health crisis around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The team determined the man was a threat to himself and others, and attempted to take him into custody for a 72-hour emergency mental health hold. During the struggle, the man grabbed an officer's firearm, prompting another officer to shoot him. The man was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

  • The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, 2026.

The players

Rochester Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the mental health crisis call.

Crisis Response Team

A team of social workers and mental health professionals that accompanied the police officers to the scene.

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What’s next

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the incident.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for improved training and protocols for law enforcement when responding to mental health emergencies, in order to prioritize de-escalation and minimize the use of lethal force.