BCA identifies officers involved in North Branch shooting that left woman dead

The officers involved in a shooting that left a woman dead in North Branch last week have been identified by authorities.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) identified the two North Branch police officers as Kyle Miller, who used non-lethal force, and Duane Southworth, who fired his service rifle during the incident. Miller has one and a half years of experience and Southworth has two years.

According to the investigation, officers responded to a report of a woman, later identified as Jamie Crabtree, walking down the street with a bottle of alcohol and a handgun in a suitcase. After Crabtree refused to drop the weapon, Miller deployed pepper balls.

Officials said a patrol car camera showed her pointing an object at officers, after which Southworth fired his weapon, striking Crabtree.

Police rendered medical assistance, but she later died in Lakes Region Ambulance.

Earlier this week, 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS spoke with Crabtree’s husband, who detailed her struggles with mental illness and alcohol over the past few years.

BCA officers recovered a pistol, a gun case and rifle cartridges at the scene. Authorities are reviewing body and patrol car camera videos as part of the investigation.

Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will submit its findings to the Washington County District Attorney’s Office for review.