Family Identifies Jamie Ann Crabtree as Woman Fatally Shot by Police in North Branch

North Branch, MN – The woman who was fatally shot by police north of the Twin Cities in North Branch has been identified by family members as Jamie Ann Crabtree, 36. Crabtree was killed during a confrontation with officers near her home. Her identity was confirmed by her sister-in-law and husband.

According to family and police reports, Crabtree was armed with a handgun, intoxicated, and suicidal at the time of the incident. The encounter turned tragic when officers attempted to de-escalate the situation using nonlethal means. One officer deployed a pepper ball, a nonlethal method intended to subdue Crabtree. However, another officer subsequently fired his firearm, resulting in her death at the scene.

Sister-in-law Sarah Clifford spoke about Crabtree’s compassionate nature, describing her as a caring person who loved her family, friends, and animals. The family is mourning the loss of Crabtree, who they say was struggling with significant emotional distress at the time of the incident.

The reasons behind the officers’ decision to use lethal force have not yet been disclosed by the police. The entire confrontation was recorded on body-worn cameras, which are currently being reviewed as part of the investigation. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is leading the inquiry into the shooting.

As standard protocol in officer-involved shootings, the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave. The BCA’s investigation aims to provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of the events that led to Crabtree’s death. The community and Crabtree’s family are awaiting further details to understand the circumstances and actions taken by the officers involved.

The North Branch community is grappling with the incident, which highlights ongoing challenges in handling situations involving mental health crises. Advocates are calling for increased training and resources for officers to better manage such incidents without resorting to lethal force. This tragic event underscores the need for continued dialogue and improvement in addressing mental health emergencies within the community.

Further updates from the BCA are expected as the investigation continues. The goal is to ensure transparency and accountability, providing answers to the family of Jamie Ann Crabtree and the North Branch community. In the meantime, the family and friends of Crabtree are remembering her for her loving nature and the positive impact she had on those around her.