Crookston Police Officer Fladland Cleared In Second Deadly Shooting

CROOKSTON, Minn. (KVRR/KFGO) — Crookston Police Officer Nick Fladland has been cleared a second time and will not face charges for the shooting death of a homeless man last summer.

Crow Wing County Attorney’s Office determined that Fladland was justified in using deadly force against 44-year-old Christopher Junkin.

He was shot and killed on June 30 at Care and Share homeless shelter in Crookston.

Investigators say officers tried using non-lethal force to stop Junkin from advancing toward them, and Fladland fired his handgun when those efforts failed.

Last November, Fladland was cleared by Polk County Attorney’s Office in the shooting death of 35-year-old Anthony Dale.

The Crookston man died last May of multiple gunshot wounds after he came at officers with a hatchet.

Body-worn cameras captured portions of the incident and were reviewed by BCA agents.

Fladland has five years of law enforcement experience.