BCA IDs man, deputies involved in fatal Cass County gunfire exchange

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.