Officer Involved In Robbinsdale Shooting Cleared
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Robbinsdale Police Officer involved in the shooting of an 18-year-old woman this spring has been cleared of any wrongdoing.
According to the Robbinsdale Police Chief Jim Franzen, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office said Sgt. Thomas Rothfork was acting appropriately.
Rothfork shot and wounded Tania Harris this April while investigating a call of an unwanted person.
On April 16 officers were called to investigate an unwanted person in the 3700 block of Hubbard Avenue North.
Upon arrival officers began questioning people outside of the complex. Harris then came running outside with a large knife in her hand. She ran after another woman who was outside the house and was heard yelling, "I'm going to kill you, b****!"
According to the Robbinsdale Police Department, witnesses heard officers ordering Harris to stop and drop the knife. Harris ignored the order and continued running.
As she was running toward officer, Rothfork shot at her and hit her twice in the stomach.
Rothfork was placed on leave and The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office investigated the incident.
According to the Robbinsdale Police Department, after reviewing statements from officers, witnesses and squad car video, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office said the shooting was justified under Minnesota's use of deadly force statues. The statues allows officer to use deadly force to protect the officer or another person from bodily harm.
Harris survived her injuries and was charged with second degree assault.