BCA: Bemidji officer shot teen twice
A preliminary investigation finds a Bemidji police officer struggled with a knife-wielding 18-year-old before shooting the teen twice in the chest, killing him.
Witnesses told investigators that Robert John Erle yelled "shoot me" at officers during the confrontation.
It started when Erle called 911 and reported feeling ill Thursday. When an ambulance went to Erle's home, he asked for a police officer.
Authorities say when officer Nathan Jager arrived, Erle allegedly lunged at the officer with a knife. Jager lost his Taser during the struggle and shot Erle once.
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Another officer arrived, and Jager shot Erle a second time when the teen again came at him with the knife.
Erle died at a hospital. Both officers are on administrative leave while the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigates.
Information from: Pioneer, http://www.bemidjipioneer.com
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)