Bodycam video of deadly Richfield police shooting released

The shooting happened around 3:30 a.m. on April 29th outside an apartment complex at 76th Street and Penn Avenue in Richfield as police responded to reports of a car prowler.

The video (view discretion advised) shows bodycams worn by Sgts. Mario Leon and Kristian Schultz.

In the first angle, Sgt. Leon exits his squad car to chase down the suspect identified as Desaver Hollis, 27, of Plymouth. Leon identifies himself as a police officer, yelling at Hollis to stop, and tackles him to the ground. Leon is able to get up and at that moment, Hollis is seen pointing a gun and a shot is heard, sending Leon to the ground yelling, "I'm shot."

Several gunshots are heard just seconds later.

In the second video angle, Sgt. Schultz gets out of his car and points a Taser at Hollis, but draws his firearm after Hollis is seen with a gun, firing at Sgt. Leon. After that initial shot, Sgt. Schultz fires multiple rounds striking Hollis who died at the scene.

The Minnesota BCA is investigating and will present its findings without recommendation on charges to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office for review.

A delegated legal liaison for the family of Desaver Hollis said Monday that his family had viewed the footage and , "The footage presented to the family was redacted and heavily edited. We understand that this is the same version of the footage that will be released publicly."

The liaison also wrote, "What we do know is 20 shots were fired. Question is, at what point is it excessive force? We have another Black Man dead after interaction with police....The family remains committed to seeking clarity, accountability, and peace. A mother just lost her son and is grieving without enough answers; a family is grieving the loss of their son, brother, uncle, and loved one."

Both Richfield officers remain on critical incident leave. Sgt. Leon, who was shot in the hand, was taken to HCMC and is recovering.