(KNSI) – A man shot by police after he pulled a gun on them as they attempted to serve an arrest warrant made his first court appearance on Monday.
Matthew Thomas Lyrek was charged in Wright County district court with four counts of first-degree use of deadly force against a peace officer, four counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, one count of obstructing the legal process and a gross misdemeanor count of possession of ammunition/firearm while the subject of an order for protection.
According to the criminal complaint, 36-year-old Lyrek was wanted on outstanding warrants from three counties, and on April 15th, three deputies were called to a store in Montrose after learning Lyrek was there. As he was leaving the store and approaching his truck, officers walked up to him and told him he was under arrest. Lyrek then grabbed a handgun from his waistband and started to aim it at them. One deputy deployed a Taser, causing Lyrek to fall backward, still clutching his gun. He raised the weapon towards the deputies again, and one officer opened fire, hitting Lyrek several times. Officers say he was still waving the gun around, and as backup arrived, more nonlethal force was used until he dropped the gun.
Court papers say after Lyrek was handcuffed, officers noticed another handgun in his waistband and two more guns, including an assault rifle, in his truck. A search of his home turned up five more guns stashed in various spots around the house and more than 29,000 rounds of ammunition.
Lyrek could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted on the most serious charges. His bail was $2 million with conditions and $5 million without conditions.
His next court date is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on May 13th.
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