Battle Lake Standoff Ends in Fatal Police Shooting

Battle Lake (https://northwestmnnow.com) — A 39-year-old man was killed during a police standoff near Battle Lake.

Christopher Steven Olson died after being shot by a Fergus Falls police officer serving on a regional SWAT team.

The shooting happened early September 26 at a home on Twin Lakes Road.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the officer’s use of force.

Standoff Began After Family Member Arrived

Otter Tail County deputies responded around 5:54 p.m. September 25.

A family member had gone to the rural home to check on Olson.

The relative found the door barricaded, according to authorities.

Olson later appeared with a shotgun and allegedly pointed it toward the family member.

Authorities say Olson then struck the relative with the shotgun’s butt.

The relative was forced into a vehicle before Olson returned inside.

The Otter Tail County SWAT Team was called to the property.

Negotiators attempted to convince Olson to surrender, but authorities say he refused.

At one point, Olson allegedly exited the residence and fired at an armored SWAT vehicle.

He then returned inside, according to the preliminary BCA investigation.

Additional SWAT teams from neighboring areas were called to assist.

Authorities say Olson appeared in a doorway around 3 a.m. while carrying a shotgun.

A Fergus Falls police officer fired a department-issued weapon and struck Olson.

Officers and a SWAT medic immediately provided medical aid.

Olson was pronounced dead at the scene.

The officer was placed on critical incident leave after the shooting.

BCA investigators recovered two shotguns, live ammunition, and spent cartridge casings.

Investigators also documented damage to the armored vehicle.

Court records show authorities had contacted Olson nine days before the fatal standoff.

A deputy stopped Olson on September 16 while he drove a pickup missing a front wheel.

Authorities reported finding a loaded AR-15-style rifle on the passenger seat.

Three additional loaded 30-round magazines were beside the rifle.

Deputies also reported statements that raised concerns about Olson’s behavior.

A judge issued an emergency Extreme Risk Protection Order on September 18.

The order temporarily required firearms to be removed from Olson’s possession.

Several long guns and other firearms were removed under that order.

The emergency order was effective for 14 days, according to court records.

The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office requested an independent BCA investigation.

Once completed, investigators will forward their findings to the Otter Tail County Attorney’s Office.

The BCA does not make a charging recommendation when submitting its findings.

More information is available through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Minnesota court information is available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

I’m David Keller reporting for Northwest MN Now News.

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