The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has identified the officers involved in a recent use-of-force incident outside the Dollar General store in Montrose.
You’ll remember that deputies with the Wright County Sheriff’s Office arrested 38-year-old Matthew Lyrek of Montrose on April 15th after what officials described as a “critical incident.”
Seven deputies in all have been identified as using force in the incident, including one deputy who the Sheriff’s Office says works in an undercover capacity, and whose name was not released.
The other six law enforcement officials included Deputies Matthew Bilitz, Deputy Jeff McMackins, and Deputy Jason Oltmanns, all of whom used “less-that-lethal” force. Deputies Heath Gilliham and William Kenyon deployed their Tasers. Deputy Andrew Lundeen fired his department rifle in the incident.
A preliminary investigation states that the deputies were looking to arrest Lyrek on multiple felony warrants. When the deputies attempted to detain the man, he allegedly pulled out a handgun. After attempting to subdue Lyrek using less than lethal force, Lyrek was reportedly shot multiple times. The BCA reports that Lyrek remains hospitalized in stable condition at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.
The BCA’s report indicates that two handguns were found on Lyrek’s person, and additional guns were located inside his vehicle.
Officials with the BCA say that “Wright County deputies do not wear body cameras, but squad car cameras captured portions of the incident.” BCA agents are said to be reviewing all available video as a part of the active investigation.
The Wright County Sheriff’s Office asked the BCA to investigate the incident. Upon completing its investigation, the BCA will present its findings to the Wright County Attorney’s Office for review. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says the BCA will not make any recommendation on any charges one way or the other in the incident.
