MN state trooper who returned fire in I-94 incident won’t face charges | FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul

MN state trooper who returned fire in I-94 incident won’t face charges

BCA investigators examine a car that crashed into a barrier off of I-94 Sunday morning. (FOX 9)

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office announced it will not file any criminal charges against a Minnesota State Patrol trooper who fired his rifle at a man who allegedly shot at him first. 

The incident happened on Sept. 21, 2024, when Eddie Freeman, 23, fired multiple gunshots at the state trooper and struck his cruiser, according to the criminal complaint. 

READ MORE: Minneapolis man shot at troopers on I-94 after girlfriend broke up with him: Charges

Hennepin County Attorney's Office declines to file charges 

What they're saying:

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty released a statement saying, "I am grateful to the BCA for their thorough investigation. The decision to decline charges in this case is appropriate as the use of force was justified. As we pursue accountability for Mr. Freeman, our thoughts are with the victims of his actions." 

The news release also states the office's review of the case was conducted by senior attorneys who recommended charges be declined, and Moriarty agreed.

Big picture view:

The criminal complaint states that a Minnesota State Patrol trooper was initially dispatched to the area of Interstate 94 and Dowling Avenue North in Minneapolis for a reported single-car crash. 

On their way to the scene, troopers learned gunshots had been fired and were told a description of the suspect. 

As one trooper approached Lowry Avenue, they put their spotlight on a person who matched the suspect's description and intended to stop him. However, Freeman "raised his arm and pointed it at the squad car, firing multiple shots" toward the trooper, the complaint reads.

The squad camera captured the interaction, including two muzzle flashes and the sound of two gunshots, charges said. 

Additional law enforcement responded to the scene, including a Minneapolis police officer. When the officer arrived, Freeman "raised his hand and pointed what appeared to be a gun in the officer's direction," court documents state. The officer noted he "then heard what he believed to be a gunshot but was unclear if [Freeman] was firing at him."

Freeman was then surrounded by more officers, and he tossed his handgun, which authorities recovered, charges said. 

READ MORE: I-94 reopens Sunday morning after BCA 'use-of-force' investigation closed part of highway

Freeman was taken into custody, but during his arrest, he spit on the face of a Minneapolis police officer who was assisting in the arrest, charges said. 

Freeman is now charged with one count of first-degree assault, use of deadly force against a peace officer, four counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of fourth-degree assault against a peace officer.

Freeman's jury trial is set to begin the morning of Feb. 3, 2025. 

The backstory:

At the crash scene near Dowling Avenue North, authorities located a victim, who was the driver of the vehicle. The victim reported Freeman was her boyfriend, and they were driving down I-94 when she told him their relationship was over, court documents state. The victim told authorities Freeman then grabbed the vehicle's steering wheel and caused the crash. 

The victim said Freeman then got out of the vehicle before she could, and she heard multiple gunshots, but she couldn't see what was happening, charges allege. Officers noted there was a bullet hole in the driver's side door near where the victim was sitting.

Two good Samaritans who tried to help after the crash told authorities that as they got closer to the crashed vehicle, they saw Freeman pointing a gun at them, the complaint reads. When one of the good Samaritans turned to run away, they heard gunshots. 

The good Samaritans reported hearing about six gunshots before they ran to their vehicle and left the area, charges say.

The Source: A news release from the Hennepin County Attorney's Office and past FOX 9 reporting.

Crime and Public SafetyMinneapolisHennepin County