(KNSI) — The suspect accused of shooting a Roseville police officer in the face has a long history of severe mental illness.
Records show that 53-year-old Jesse Henri Werling had been arrested numerous times and had twice been committed to psychiatric treatment facilities for severe bipolar disorder, paranoia, and delusional beliefs that made him a danger to himself and others. Werling’s ex-wife also once called the police, saying he was threatening to take her “to the underworld.”
Police were called to Werling’s neighborhood at about 7:30 Tuesday night after neighbors said they heard gunshots. Investigators say Werling immediately opened fire when officers arrived, hitting Officer Ryan Duxbury. Police shot back, and Werling was taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, where he died. Duxbury is still hospitalized, but he is expected to survive.
Bodycam and squad car dashcam captured portions of the shooting.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has taken over the investigation. BCA crime scene personnel said they recovered a .22 caliber scoped lever action rifle from near where Werling was shot.
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