James Walter Weyaus Obituary, Death;- Authorities have confirmed the identity of the individual who was fatally shot by a deputy from Cass County on the Leech Lake Reservation in northern Minnesota.
Deputy David Donner shot and killed James Walter Weyaus, 37, from Onigum, during a reported exchange of gunfire late Sunday afternoon, south of the Bayside Resort.
According to the police report, deputies were dispatched to the 8400 block of Old Agency Trail Northwest in Turtle Lake Township, located a few miles east of Walker, at approximately 4:40 p.m. on Sunday, following reports of gunfire near residential areas.
Upon arrival, deputies encountered a man, later identified as Weyaus, who was walking alone on County Road 13. They attempted to engage with him; however, Weyaus reportedly fled on foot, leading to a pursuit and an “exchange of gunfire” between him and Deputy Kaleb Cherne.
Cherne sustained a gunshot wound to his upper right thigh. He was subsequently airlifted to a hospital and was released the following day.
A preliminary investigation conducted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) concluded that Deputy Donner shot Weyaus while responding to the foot chase.
“Deputy Donner was responding to the foot chase and shooting when he observed Weyaus emerge onto the roadway,” states a report from the BCA. “Deputy Donner discharged his weapon toward Weyaus, striking him.”
Weyaus was declared dead at the scene.
The Minnesota Star Tribune has reported that Weyaus was an enrolled member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and was the foster son of the chairperson of the Leech Lake tribe.
Body-worn cameras recorded parts of the incident. A handgun, holster, and several shell casings were retrieved from the shooting site.
The BCA is undertaking a comprehensive investigation and will submit its findings to the Cass County Attorney’s Office for evaluation.
Both Donner and Cherne have been placed on administrative leave.
