Richfield Releases Bodycam Video in Desaver Hollis Shooting

Richfield police released body camera video showing the April 27 shooting that killed desaver hollis and wounded Sgt. Mario Leon. The footage was shown to Hollis’s family Monday morning before it was made public shortly after.

Oliver Avenue South pursuit

The video begins on Sgt. Leon’s body camera as he says he sees a man walking on Oliver Avenue. He activates his lights, moves toward the man and yells, “stop right there,” before chasing Hollis through a parking lot and tackling him to the ground.

Police said the encounter followed a 911 call about a reported car prowler. Officers responded to the 7500 block of Morgan Avenue shortly before 3:30 a.m. on April 29, then spotted Hollis a block away on Oliver Avenue South. When officers tried to stop him, he ran.

Gunfire and injuries

During the chase, officers said Hollis pulled a gun and gunshots were exchanged. Leon was struck in the hand by a bullet, and he and Sgt. Kristian Schultz both fired shots. Hollis, 27, was killed.

The family and its legal representatives held a press conference after viewing the footage. Their attorneys questioned the editing of the video and whether officers needed to fire 20 shots during the encounter.

BCA review and Moriarty

The Minnesota BCA is reviewing the use of force by Richfield police and will send its findings to the Hennepin County Attorney's Office. Mary Moriarty said last month that her office was aware of “a fatal use-of-force incident early Wednesday in Richfield” and would evaluate the case when the BCA investigation is complete.

She also said, “We’re grateful the injured officer is being treated and is expected to be released. We also want to send our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased individual. This is a tragic and traumatic situation for all involved.”