BCA investigating after driver killed while trying to flee traffic stop on I-94

(ABC 6 News) – A portion of westbound I-94 in Minneapolis is back open Monday after being closed for several hours during the overnight and morning rush hour.

The closure was due to members of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) investigating what they say is a “use of force” incident involving a trooper with the Minnesota State Patrol (MSP).

According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), just after 1:50 a.m., a State Patrol trooper was observing traffic when a Ford Fusion with no taillights travelling on northbound I-94 near Lowry Avenue in Minneapolis drove by.

The DPS said the trooper pulled the driver over. During the course of their investigation, troopers learned that the driver was wanted by law enforcement in Ramsey County in connection with a felony level violation. As the troopers worked to detain the driver, the driver refused to exit the vehicle. Troopers were attempting to remove the driver from the vehicle when the driver drove away. A State Patrol trooper discharged their firearm during the course of this incident. Life-saving measures were provided until emergency services arrived.

Three State Patrol troopers were placed on administrative leave, per State Patrol policy, according to the DPS. Body cameras and squad cameras were activated during the course of this incident.

The DPS said at the direction of Colonel Matt Langer, the Minnesota State Patrol is working expeditiously to release the video after providing the family an opportunity to view it.

The highway was closed from West Broadway to 49th Avenue North, which is several miles through North Minneapolis. Drivers were being directed off the interstate, and some drivers had to turn around.

Lanes were reopened around 9:45 a.m. Monday.