Hennepin County Sheriff investigates stun gun-related death

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a man who hit his head after a Brooklyn Center police officer shot him with a stun gun.

Officers responded at about 9 p.m. Jan. 16 after multiple calls about a group fighting in a parking lot, possibly with weapons, according to a Brooklyn Center Police Department news release.,

Officers saw several people in front of a business including 57-year-old Sinthanouxay Khottavongsa, who was "holding a crowbar in a threatening manner," the release said.

Police officers repeatedly ordered him to drop it, but Khottavongsa refused and an officer used a stun gun on him, police said. He then fell to the ground and hit his head, police said. He was taken to a hospital, where he died two days later of a blunt force head injury.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

Hennepin County Sheriff's Office is conducting an external investigation of the case. Department spokeswoman Jennifer Johnson declined to comment Saturday, citing an active investigation.

The funeral for Khottavongsa, who lived in St. Paul, was planned for Saturday at a local church.

Public records indicate Khottavongsa had a wife and three children, according to the Star Tribune. A gofundme.com page set up to raise money for funeral costs describes Khottavongsa as "a compassionate and generous person," according to the newspaper.

"He worked very hard to help and serve not only his family, but whomever came into his life. Unfortunately his life was cut tragically short," the page says.