Willmar Man Shot By Officer Killed Himself
Willmar, MN (KROC-AM News) - There was an officer-involved shooting, but officials say the Willmar man who died after stabbing a police officer last Friday took his own life.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says an autopsy has determined 38-year-old José Lozano's death was a suicide resulting from a self-inflicted knife wound to his neck. Investigators say Officer Nicole Wortham suffered multiple stab wounds to her neck and shoulder during a struggle with Lozano that erupted after Willmar Police responded to a report of a domestic disturbance and the officer found the Willmar man holding a knife and box cutter to his throat.
After he ignored her orders to drop the weapons, Officer Wortham shocked Lozano with her Taser, which led to the struggle that left the officer with the stab wounds. The BCA report also indicates Worthan discharged her gun and shot Lozano in the leg.
The BCA statement indicates a second officer then arrived at the scene and found Lozano, still armed with a knife, threatening himself and the officers. Officer Noah Maschino reported he tazed Lozano and placed him in handcuffs before the man lost consciousness and the officer unsuccessfully attempted life-saving measures.
The wounded officer was airlifted to a St. Cloud hospital and was discharged on Saturday to continue her recovery at home.
The BCA notes portions of the incident were recorded on body camera video. The investigation is ongoing.
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