An Anoka County grand jury has decided not to indict a Lino Lakes police officer who fatally shot a New Brighton driver in May after he dragged the officer in an attempt to flee a traffic stop in Fridley.

After reviewing testimony from 15 witnesses and other evidence in two days, the grand jury's decision means that Sgt. William Owens will not be charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of Sam Holmes.

The 13-year veteran of the Lino Lakes Police Department stopped a vehicle for speeding on westbound I-694 at University Avenue in May.

According to the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Owens, 31, attempted to arrest Holmes on outstanding warrants and suspicion of driving under the influence.

A struggle ensued, and Owens tried to subdue Holmes using his Taser. During the struggle, Holmes got back in his vehicle and took off, dragging Owens a short distance. At that point, the officer shot Holmes, causing the vehicle to careen off the road, run through a fence and come to a stop in a nearby Cub Foods parking lot, according to the BCA.

Karen Zamora