On Friday, May 3, the Washington County Attorney’s Office charged Donald Eugene Roche, 61, Rockford, Minn., with two counts of second-degree assault, one count of financial transaction card fraud, and one count of third-degree burglary for the events that led to the officer-involved shooting on April 22 outside a Woodbury Target. These charges are limited to Roche’s actions, and the use of force by law enforcement remains under investigation.
Per the criminal complaint, an investigation conducted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) revealed that Roche allegedly stole a wallet from a construction site in Oakdale on the morning of April 22. Roche then used the credit cards to make fraudulent purchases totaling over $3,000 at two stores in Woodbury, as well as attempted transactions of over $7,000 which were ultimately not authorized or declined.
Officers with the Woodbury Public Safety Department located Roche after being alerted by automated license plate readers that the vehicle he was driving was reported stolen. Officers located the stolen vehicle unoccupied in the Target parking lot just after 9:15 a.m., noting that the steering column appeared to be damaged. When Roche returned to his vehicle after attempting fraudulent purchases inside the Target store, officers approached Roche and attempted to take him into custody. A struggle ensued, and officers disengaged when a possible handgun was observed. Roche retreated to his vehicle and barricaded himself inside, resulting in a standoff with law enforcement.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, including members of the Washington County SWAT Team. Law enforcement attempted to negotiate with Roche for over an hour. Eventually, Roche exited the van with a black revolver in his hand, at which point law enforcement attempted to subdue him with less-than lethal and non-lethal force. Roche continued to ignore repeated verbal commands to drop the gun, and instead pointed his firearm directly at officers. Roche was ultimately shot by law enforcement officers and medical aid was immediately rendered. He was transported to Regions Hospital, where he continues to recover from his injuries in stable condition.
Further investigation by the BCA determined the weapon used by Roche was a pistol-style BB gun, with projectiles capable of causing death or great bodily harm, including permanent scarring, punctured skin, and permanent eye damage.
A warrant has been issued for Roche, who will be transferred into police custody upon release from the hospital. His first appearance in court has yet to be scheduled.
The BCA continues to investigate law enforcement’s use of force and will present findings without a charging recommendation once the investigation is complete. The Washington County Attorney’s Office will then review the findings and determine whether the use of force was justified.