Victim, officers involved in deadly North Branch shooting identified

NORTH BRANCH, Minn. — State investigators have released the names of those involved in a Fatal shooting in North Branch last Thursday.

Officers were called to the area of ​​Third Avenue and Elm Street for a report of an “intoxicated and suicidal female armed with a handgun” at 9:19 p.m.

Police say the woman did not respond to officers' orders to drop her weapon. As a result, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Enforcement said Officer Kyle Miller used PepperBall rounds.

The squad's body camera then allegedly captured the woman pointing an object at the officers. In response, Officer Duane Southworth fired several rounds with his service rifle, hitting the woman, investigators said.

Officers at the scene attempted to treat the woman, but she died of her injuries, police said.

The Midwest Medical Examiner's Office identified the woman as Jamie Ann Crabtree, 36.

Miller and Southworth are both on critical incident leave.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension will review patrol car and body camera footage of the incident as part of its ongoing investigation.

Police said officers recovered a handgun, a gun case and gun shells at the scene.

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If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for help by calling or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day to talk about anything that concerns you. Additionally, you can get help from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. Call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264 or text “HelpLine” to 62640. There are more than 600 NAMI organizations and local affiliates nationwide, many of which offer free support and education programs.