A Red Lake police officer was killed in the line of duty Tuesday and the FBI is investigating, authorities said.
“It is with heavy hearts to announce that the Red Lake Nation lost a Police Officer in the line of duty this morning,” the Red Lake Tribal Council said in a statement on Facebook.
Tribal leaders directed all tribal programs and businesses to lower flags to half-staff throughout the week.
The Red Lake Police Department identified the officer as Ryan Bialke, 37, who died of gunshot wounds after officers responded to a call of a suicidal male. The suspect opened fire on the responding officers and struck Bialke.
The suspect fled into the woods while Bialke was transported to the Indian Health Service Hospital, where he died.
The suspect is in custody and the FBI and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are investigating.
#FBI agents from our office are investigating a shooting that occurred early this morning on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. RLPD officers were responding to a call at a residence when a subject fired a weapon killing an officer. Subject is in custody. Investigation is underway. pic.twitter.com/8IOD9rU58V
— FBI Minneapolis (@FBIMinneapolis) July 27, 2021
“I’m devastated to learn of the Red Lake Officer killed today in the line of duty. I’m grateful that the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office was able to respond quickly and that the suspect has been arrested. My prayers are with the family, loved ones, and colleagues of the fallen officer, and I send my condolences to the people of the Red Lake Nation,” said Rep. Matt Grossell, R-Clearbrook.
Bialke was a six-year veteran of the Red Lake Police Department. He leaves behind his wife and four children.
The Red Lake Police Department and agencies from across the state escorted Bialke to Anoka County.
Anthony Gockowski
Anthony Gockowski is Editor-in-Chief of Alpha News. He previously worked as an editor for The Minnesota Sun and Campus Reform, and wrote for the Daily Caller.
