Crime & Safety
Grand Jury Clears Cop Who Fatally Shot 25yo Richfield Man
Jeffery Michael O'Connor was killed after a Richfield officer shot him inside a residence on the 6600 block of Park Avenue last fall.
A grand jury has cleared the Richfield police officer who shot and killed a 25-year-old man last October.
Jeffery Michael O'Connor was killed after Richfield police Sgt. Mark Shelley shot him inside a residence on the 6600 block of Park Avenue the morning of Oct. 5, 2012. Richfield officers had responded to a report of an emotionally disturbed man and a possible hostage situation. O'Connor was reportedly wielding a knife when Shelley shot and killed him.
Read: Authorities Release Name of Man Killed in Officer-Involved Shooting
The Hennepin County Sheriff's Department investigated the incident and the Hennepin County Attorney's Office brought the case to the jury. According to the Star Tribune, the grand jury returned last Thursday, July 18 without indictment, clearing Shelley. According to the Sun Current, the jury made the decision after spending the day hearing details on the incident.
Two other officers, Tom Blair and Brian Rogge, had responded to the incident with Shelley. All three men were put on paid administrative leave following the incident. Richfield Police Chief Todd Sandell told Patch last December that all three returned to duty exactly one week after the incident.
Related on Patch:
- October Officer-Involved Shooting Still Under Review
- Police Chief Releases Statement, Names Officers Involved in Friday Shooting
- Authorities Release Name of Man Killed in Officer-Involved Shooting
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