A tragic incident in the Minneapolis suburb of Robbinsdale has resulted in the death of a man who fled a traffic stop. The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office vehicle involved in the incident has been declared a “total loss.” However, no law enforcement officers will face criminal charges in connection with the incident, as the death has been ruled an accidental drowning.
Khalil Azad’s body was found on the shore of Crystal Lake two days after he fled on foot from police who had stopped him near the lake on suspicion of drunken driving. Despite extensive efforts by law enforcement, including a ground and air search involving multiple officers, K9s, a State Patrol helicopter, and thermal imaging, Azad eluded capture.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty released a statement, stating that her office found no evidence of inappropriate behavior by law enforcement in connection with Azad’s death. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension conducted a thorough review of the case at the request of the Robbinsdale Police Department. The investigation revealed no evidence of any physical contact between law enforcement and Azad after the initial traffic stop.
Azad’s family had raised concerns, with Black Lives Matter of Minnesota stating that they believed he was bitten by police dogs and beaten by officers. However, the investigation did not support these claims. Moriarty shared the decision with the relevant law enforcement agencies and held a private meeting with Azad’s family to discuss the findings.
While the tragic death of Khalil Azad is a reminder of the dangers involved in fleeing law enforcement, the investigation concluded that it was a “tragic accidental drowning.” The case highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in ensuring public safety while respecting individuals’ rights.
