4 minutes

Dennis Katsnelson

Startling revelations have emerged as the Duluth Police Department released body-worn camera footage capturing the fatal shooting of a suspect armed with a knife. This incident, which transpired in the month of February, highlights the difficult decisions law enforcement officers sometimes face in ensuring public safety. The video, recorded from three separate body cameras, depicts Zachary Shogren, a 34-year-old resident of Duluth, brazenly refusing to comply with commands to drop his knife. In response, the officers resorted to using a Taser and less-than-lethal rounds in an attempt to subdue Shogren. However, the situation quickly escalated as Shogren defiantly charged at the officers, still clutching the weapon, prompting them to discharge their firearms multiple times. Tragically, Shogren succumbed to his injuries and passed away while receiving medical treatment at a local Duluth hospital.

We took this video from Northern News Now YouTube Channel.

Following a thorough evaluation of the circumstances surrounding the incident, Cook County Attorney Molly Hicken concluded that the officers involved were faced with an imminent threat of death or severe bodily harm. Consequently, Attorney Hicken chose not to pursue charges against the officers involved in the shooting, recognizing the challenging circumstances they encountered and the need for swift action to protect their own lives and the lives of others.

The release of this bodycam footage serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis while working to uphold public safety. It also highlights the complex decisions they must make within split seconds, where lives are at stake.

This incident will undoubtedly prompt further discussions and scrutiny regarding police use of force. The Duluth Police Department remains committed to transparency, ensuring that incidents like these are thoroughly investigated and carefully evaluated in order to maintain the trust and confidence of the community.