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BCA Names Deputies in Duluth Fatal Shooting After Traffic Pursuit

The state agency will submit the case file to the St. Louis County Attorney without charging recommendations.

Overview

  • Sgt. Joshua Berndt and Deputy Matthew Sobczak were identified as the St. Louis County deputies involved, with 19 and 16 years of service, respectively.
  • The driver killed was Donald Felver III, whom investigators say was the sole occupant of the vehicle and whose gunfire preceded deputies returning fire.
  • Deputies initially attempted a traffic stop for erratic driving, and the pursuit ended after Berndt used a PIT maneuver that left the vehicle stopped sideways on Grand Avenue.
  • The BCA reports that no deputies were injured, a handgun and spent casings were recovered from the vehicle, and body-worn cameras captured portions of the encounter.
  • Both deputies are on critical incident leave as the BCA continues its investigation, which will be forwarded for charging consideration on an unspecified timeline.