The Washington County Attorney’s Office has determined that two law enforcement officers were justified in using force in a shooting in a Target parking lot in April.
Authorities say Donald Eugene Roche, 61, pointed a high-powered pellet gun that appeared to be a firearm at the officers. Woodbury Police Officer James Stoffel and Washington County Deputy Brian Krook fired at Roche when he did not comply with orders to drop his weapon.
Washington County Attorney Kevin Magnuson stated in a news release that Roche admitted he wanted officers to kill him because he did not want to return to prison.
“Mr. Roche intentionally threatened the lives of law enforcement officers to exploit their trained reactions and compel the use of deadly force,” Magnuson said. “Fortunately, that force was not lethal here, but the effects of being forced to react with deadly force can be very damaging to law enforcement and their families. This ‘suicide by cop’ attempt is a reminder of the swiftly evolving and unpredictably dangerous scenarios they face on a daily basis. I am grateful that there are brave people who nevertheless take these significant risks to assist and protect us.”
The county attorney’s office says Roche stole a wallet from a construction site in Oakdale and then made fraudulent purchases using credit cards he found in the wallet at two stores in Woodbury including Target. Police tried to arrest Roche in the store’s parking lot but backed off when they saw what they thought was a revolver.
Roche got into his vehicle, while police set a perimeter and called in the county SWAT team. After negotiations of about an hour, Roche got out of his vehicle with the weapon. After he ignored police commands, officers shot him. He was treated for his injuries at Regions Hospital before being taken to the Washington County Jail.
“The officers’ quick and decisive actions in a high-risk situation ensured the safety of all involved and exemplified their dedication to public safety,” Woodbury Public Safety Director Jason Posel said in a statement. “I commend their courage and professionalism during this challenging encounter.”
In July, Roche pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree assault and one count each of financial transaction card fraud and third-degree burglary. He is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 30.
