Kandiyohi County Deputy Cleared in Death of 75-Year-Old Man Tased During Eviction

(KNSI) — A Kandiyohi County deputy has been cleared of any wrongdoing following the death of a man who was tased during an eviction in January.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says two Kandiyohi County sheriff’s deputies and two Willmar police officers went to 75-year-old Michael James Yanacheak’s apartment the morning of January 29th to perform a court-ordered eviction. They tried to get him to open the door, but he didn’t respond. After about an hour, the apartment manager pried open the door, and officers went inside. They found Yanacheak in a bedroom, where he picked up a kitchen knife and walked towards them. Police tried to retreat out of the apartment, but at one point, a Taser was deployed, striking Yanacheak.

The officers provided medical care at the scene until Yanacheak could be taken to the hospital, where he later died. In March, the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Yanacheak’s death a homicide after it was discovered Yanacheak fell after he was shocked and hit his head on a table.

A Willmar police officer recovered a knife at the scene, which was later turned over to BCA crime scene personnel. The deputy who used his Taser and the two Willmar police officers were all wearing body cameras.

Once the BCA’s investigation was complete, the case was handed over to the Kandiyohi County Attorney’s Office, which ruled the use of force was justified and cleared the officers of any wrongdoing.

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