MINNEAPOLIS – A Redby man has pleaded guilty to fatally shooting a Red Lake Tribal Police Officer last July.
Federal prosecutors said David Brian Donnell, Jr., 29, pleaded guilty Friday to one count of murder in the second degree for the shooting death of Officer Ryan Bialke.
According to court documents, on July 27, 2021, five officers responded to a call to conduct a welfare check on Donnell at his home. The officers found Donnell standing outside on the porch and attempted to have him walk towards them, but Donnell went inside the residence.
Donnell had an active tribal warrant and was refusing to comply. Officers kicked open the door and Donnell opened fire on the officers, striking Bialke immediately.
The documents said Donnell continued shooting, firing several rounds at the other officers. One officer returned fire to allow the officers to escape into the woods. Donnell continued firing at the officers as they fled.
Bialke died at the scene.
Donnell fled the scene, taking the rifle with him. A short time later, officers arrested Donnell at a nearby residence.
Donnell faces a maximum sentence of up to life in prison. A sentencing date has not been set.
