BCA identifies man killed, officer who shot him in Virginia

VIRGINIA — The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office identified the man who was shot by police during a Friday, May 1, encounter in Virginia as Ethan Roy Basche, 31, of Chisholm.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension also identified the officer from the Virginia Police Department who shot Basche. Lt. Henry Trunk fired his department-issued firearm. He has 10 years of law enforcement experience, according to the BCA. The Virginia Police Department has placed him on critical incident leave. 

The BCA’s preliminary investigation showed Virginia police officers responded shortly before 8:30 a.m. to a report of a man wearing a ski mask while walking on the sidewalk along Second Avenue West between North Third and Fourth streets, while holding and waving what appeared to be a handgun.

Trunk located the man, later identified as Basche, and exited his squad car. The BCA reported Trunk shouted commands for Basche to put his hands in the air. Basche then allegedly walked toward Trunk and appeared to raise the item described in the report as a handgun. Trunk then shot Basche.

The report stated officers provided medical aid to Basche until medics arrived and transported him to Essentia Health-Virginia hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The BCA's crime scene personnel recovered a ski mask, spent casings and a torch lighter "consistent with the appearance of a firearm," according to the news release. Body-worn cameras were in use and captured portions of the incident.

Minnesota state court records show Basche had a documented history of mental illness and chemical dependency. The most recent case shows he was discharged from a civil commitment in March.

The Virginia Police Department requested the BCA investigate the encounter. Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will present its findings without recommendation on charges to the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office for review.