A man was fatally shot Friday night in Fridley after he pulled away from a traffic stop on Interstate 694 and dragged an officer, police said Saturday.
The 13-year veteran of the Lino Lakes Police Department was working a drunken driving detail when he stopped a vehicle for speeding on westbound I-694 at University Avenue about 10:50 p.m. Friday.
According to the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the officer, Sgt. William Owens, attempted to arrest the driver, Sam Matthew Holmes, 31, of New Brighton, on outstanding warrants and suspicion of driving under the influence.
A struggle ensued, and Owens tried to subdue Holmes using his Taser. During the struggle, the BCA said, Holmes got back in his vehicle and took off, dragging Owens a short distance. At that point, the officer shot Holmes, the BCA said, and the vehicle careened off the road, ran through a fence and came to a stop in a nearby Cub Foods parking lot.
Owens was taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, where he was treated for injuries and released.
The BCA said the Midwest medical examiner's office in Anoka will conduct the autopsy on the suspect, who had numerous traffic citations and misdemeanor convictions, according to court and traffic records.
In 2003, he was convicted of consuming alcohol and driving under age 21. In both 2009 and 2010, he was convicted of driving with a suspended license.
In 2012, he was convicted of driving while impaired. He was cited on seven different occasions for failure to appear on various charges.
Westbound I-694 lanes were closed Friday night while law enforcement investigated. The lanes reopened Saturday morning.
The State Patrol, the Anoka County Sheriff's Office and the Fridley and Lino Lakes police departments joined the investigation. The BCA said it will turn its findings over to the Anoka County attorney's office for review.
Staff writer John Reinan contributed to this report. Stephen Montemayor • 612-760-8405
