Man in Use of Force Incident in Willmar has Died

(KNSI) — The man who was tased during an eviction attempt in Willmar has died.

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. At no time did anyone involved in this incident discharge a firearm.

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. BCA agents are reviewing all available videos as part of the active investigation.

Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will present its findings without a charging recommendation to the Kandiyohi County Attorney’s Office for review.

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