Officials Identify Red Lake Nation Police Officer Killed in the Line of Duty Tuesday

(KNSI) — The Red Lake Police Department has identified the officer who was killed Tuesday morning.

Officials say 37-year-old Ryan Bialke, a native of Buffalo, Minnesota, was shot to death by a suspect after reporting to a possibly suicidal male at a home in Redby that possibly had children inside. That suspect allegedly fired upon officers as they arrived, hitting Bialke. He was rushed to the Indian Health Services Hospital, where he died. Police say the suspect fled into nearby woods and was later arrested. The FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are investigating the case. Federal charges against that suspect are expected by the end of the week.

Flags were ordered to fly at half staff by Red Lake Tribal Council Chairman Darrell Seki. Non-essential programs were canceled Tuesday “out of respect and honor” for Bialke.

Minnesota’s Seventh District Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach issued a statement Tuesday upon learning of Bialke’s death, calling it an unbelievable tragedy. She said she is “eternally grateful to the men and women of law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe.”

An outpouring of support and tributes flooded social media as word spread about the shooting. That included a message from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office saying, “Today we mourn along with our brothers and sisters in the Red Lake Police Department at the line of duty death of Officer Bialke. We honor your sacrifice and service.”

Bialke joined the Red Lake Nation Police Department in 2014 and is survived by his wife and four children.

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