Grand Forks County State’s Attorney Office Says Deputy’s Use of Force to Save Hostage Was Justified

(Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office image)

(KNOX) – The actions of a Grand Forks County deputy sheriff were justified according to the Grand Forks County State’s Attorney Office.

The deputy’s act of use deadly force to save to save the life of a hostage last month were validated.

A statement was issued that gave outcomes of a review of the shooting, which resulted in the death of Alice Nesdahl, 47. The shots were fired by Deputy Cameron Bridger.

The incident happened Friday evening, December 5^th on 10th Avenue North in Grand Forks and involved officers from the county and the Grand Forks Police Department. It started when the woman called and said she was holding a man hostage in an apartment.

According to a report officers were able to locate the apartment inside the building. Officers were made aware of exigent circumstances, requiring them to make entry into the apartment to protect the hostage.” On the scene, officers observed a threat and a deputy discharged his firearm multiple times at the suspect. The hostage, Donald Kostrzewski was not harmed, but the woman was hit several times that resulted in her death.