Crookston Police Shooting Ruled Justified

CROOKSTON, MN—The Polk County Attorney’s Office has ruled that a Crookston Police Officer was justified in the shooting death of a man this past May.  You’ll remember in the early morning hours of May 16, 35-year-old Anthony Scott Dale was swinging a hatchet in the area of East 7th Street.  Officers tried to subdue Dale, but when less lethal methods didn’t stop Dale, Officer Nicholas Fladland fired his weapon and hit Dale several times.  Polk County Attorney Greg Widseth released a statement saying it was clear Dale posed a serious threat to the officers and the public.  Widseth went on to say “There is no dispute Dale’s death was a tragedy.  However, it was Dale’s actions that ultimately caused his death.”  No criminal charges will be filed against Officer Fladland.