BEMIDJI, Minn. – A Purple Lake man has been sentenced to 37 years in jail for fatally taking pictures a Purple Lake Tribal Police Officer, introduced United States Lawyer Andrew M. Luger.
“The tragic and violent occasions of July 27, 2021, that claimed the lifetime of Officer Ryan Bialke introduced an incalculable loss to his household and to his group,” mentioned U.S. Lawyer Andrew Luger. “Though the 37-year sentence handed down at present represents justice beneath the legislation, the hurt can by no means be undone. We honor the reminiscence of Officer Bialke and commend the officers of the Purple Lake Tribal Police Division for his or her continued braveness and dedication in serving their group.”
“When David Brian Donnell opened hearth at officers on July 27, 2021, our group misplaced a husband, a father, a son, and a hero,” mentioned Alvin M. Winston, FBI Particular Agent in Cost, Minneapolis Division. Officer Bialke paid the last word value for his dedication to public security, and at present’s sentence is a testomony to the tireless efforts of our state and native companions and the Headwaters Protected Trails Job Power to make sure that violent criminals are held accountable for his or her heinous crimes. We’re unwavering in our dedication to safeguarding our indigenous communities with our tribal companions, and our ideas are with Officer Bialke’s household and colleagues as they heal from this tragedy.”
In accordance with court docket paperwork, on July 27, 2021, officers with the Purple Lake Tribal Police Division (“RLTPD”) responded to a name to conduct a welfare test on David Brian Donnell, Jr., 30, at his residence in Redby, Minnesota. 5 RLTPD officers responded to Donnell’s residence. Upon arrival, the officers discovered Donnell standing exterior on the porch and tried to have him stroll in the direction of the officers, however Donnell as a substitute went contained in the residence. As a result of Donnell had an energetic tribal warrant and was refusing to conform, the officers made the choice to breach the door. As quickly because the door was breached, Donnell opened hearth on the officers. Officer Ryan Bialke was instantly struck by gunfire and fell. Donnell continued taking pictures, firing a number of rounds from an Izhmash Saiga 7.62 caliber rifle on the 4 different officers on the scene. One RLTPD officer returned hearth to permit the officers to flee into the woods. Donnell continued firing on the officers as they fled into the woods. Donnell fired at the least 22 pictures at Officer Bialke and the 4 different RLTPD officers. Officer Bialke succumbed to his accidents and died on the scene. Donnell then fled the scene, taking the rifle with him. Shortly thereafter, officers arrested Donnell at a close-by residence.
Donnell, who pleaded responsible on April 1, 2022, to 1 depend of homicide within the second diploma, was sentenced at present in U.S. District Court docket by Decide John R. Tunheim. In the course of the listening to, Decide Tunheim acknowledged that the 37-year sentence was “justified by a mindless crime,” and prolonged condolences to the household of Officer Bialke, who gave his life within the line of obligation, “he was a nice man, I want I had recognized him.”
This case was the results of an investigation performed by the Purple Lake Tribal Police Division, the FBI Headwaters Protected Trails Job Power, the Minnesota Bureau of Felony Apprehension (BCA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Workplace, and U.S. Customs and Border Safety.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melinda A. Williams and Joseph S. Teirab prosecuted the case.
