Man found dead, gun recovered after police pursuit on I-35

A man was found dead and a gun was recovered after a police pursuit on 1-35 near Sandstone.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating a use-of-force incident involving the Minnesota State Patrol and the Pine County Sheriff’s Office.

It happened around 4 p.m. on northbound Interstate 35 between mile markers 187 and 188, a few miles south of Sandstone.

Minnesota State Patrol troopers were pursuing a vehicle for speeding when it went off the road and into a ditch. Troopers deployed stop sticks but aren’t sure whether they were effective.

When Pine County sheriff’s deputies arrived on scene, the subject did not exit the vehicle and was not responding to commands.

Authorities say at one point, a deputy fired less-than-lethal rounds, which broke vehicle windows, then deployed a K-9. The subject still did not respond.

When deputies approached, they saw the subject deceased inside the vehicle with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the head. A handgun was recovered from inside. No trooper or deputy fired their service weapon.

This investigation is still in the early stages. Troopers and deputies were wearing body cameras.

The BCA will release more information pending further investigation.