ONIGUM — The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension identified the man shot and killed and the deputies involved in a deadly exchange of gunfire in Onigum.
The Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office identified James Weyaus, 37, Onigum, as the man shot and killed on Sunday, Nov. 16.
The Minnesota Star Tribune reported Weyaus was an adopted adult son of Leech Lake Tribal Chairman Faron Jackson.
The BCA stated in a news release that Cass County deputies were called just after 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, to the 8400 block of Old Agency Trail on a report of shots fired.
Deputies arriving to investigate passed a man, later identified as Weyaus, walking alone on County Road 13.
Cass County Deputy Kaleb Cherne attempted to speak with Weyaus, but Weyaus ran from him, according to the investigation. Cherne pursued him on foot. During the foot chase, the two exchanged gunfire. Cherne was struck in the right thigh.
Deputy David Donner was responding to the foot chase when he saw Weyaus emerge onto the roadway. Donner fired at Weyaus, striking him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cherne was transported by air ambulance to a Fargo hospital for treatment and has since been released.
BCA investigators recovered a 9mm handgun, a holster and multiple shell casings from the scene.
"Body-worn cameras captured portions of this incident," the BCA stated in a news release.
Cherne, who has three years of law enforcement experience, and Donner, with six years of experience, were both placed on critical incident leave. The Cass County Sheriff's Office requested the BCA investigation into the officer-involved shooting death.
The BCA will then present its findings, without making a recommendation on charges, to the Cass County Attorney's Office for further review.
-
Contributed/Ellen Schmidt / MinnPost / CatchLight Local / Report for AmericaState lawmakers and experts said the Minnesota affordable housing bill will save thousands from eviction but also isn’t enough. -
Contributed/City of HermantownHermantown officials are considering a tax abatement agreement with Google as more details emerge and debate surrounds a proposed data center development. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXECandidates running for state office, U.S. Senate or House, the state Legislature, county office and in some cities and school districts have until June 2, 2026, to file. -
Chelsey Perkins/KAXECounty Attorney Ben Lindstrom says Deputy Aaron Ammerman violated policy and engaged in "unbecoming conduct," but Ammerman says Lindstrom is tampering with the election. -
Plus: the DNR has identified the origin point and people of interest in the Flanders Fire; Bemidji bus drivers advocate for better pay before School Board; and Itasca County votes to fly two different state flags. -
Contributed/Wesley Tingey via UnsplashJordan Zempel, 35, of Apple Valley, faces a third-degree criminal sexual conduct charge for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEDaniel Dale of Hoyt Lakes made his first court appearance May 19, 2026, on the upgraded felony charge. He remains in custody in the St. Louis County Jail. -
Contributed/Minnesota Incident Command SystemAccurate mapping of the fire perimeter led to the fire size increasing to 356 acres. The wildfire destroyed 34 structures and was caused by a power line. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe fire, which began May 16, 2026, burned around 1,666 acres in Crow Wing County. The DNR asks residents and others in the area with information to contact them. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEAbout a half-inch of rain fell across the area overnight into Tuesday, and crews are expected to return to work on securing and improving the fire lines again.
