Authorities on Tuesday identified a Brooklyn Center police officer who shot and killed a man allegedly carrying a rifle as Kou Moua.
The incident occurred shortly after 8:30 Thursday evening. Dontaylo Wright, 20, was walking with the rifle near the intersection of 53rd and Emerson Avenues N., authorities said. Police Chief Kevin Benner said the first officer on the scene confronted Wright and "was forced to shoot the suspect, who died at the scene."
Authorities have released few details about the incident, which is now being investigated by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office. A grand jury will determine whether the shooting was justified, which is standard procedure.
Moua began his police career as a member of the Brooklyn Center multicultural cadet program. He completed that two-year program and has been a Brooklyn Center police officer for four years.
A news release from the Sheriff's Office said Moua has received numerous letters of appreciation from citizens and other police organizations for community outreach and education focusing on the city's multicultural community.
He is on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure after this type of incident.
DAVID CHANEN
