BCA Releases Name of the Deceased and the Officer Involved in Battle Lake Shooting

Battle Lake, MN – The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has released the identity of the man who died in a standoff with law enforcement in rural Battle Lake last weekend, along with the officer who used force during the incident.

The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the man who died during the incident as 39-year-old Christopher Olson of Battle Lake.

The officer who fired his department-issued firearm has been identified as Fergus Falls police officer Matthew Cederberg. He has 16 years of law enforcement experience and is a member of the Otter Tail County SWAT Team that responded to the incident. He has been placed on critical incident leave by the Fergus Falls Police Department.

According to the BCA’s preliminary investigation, Otter Tail County deputies responded to a home on Twin Lakes Road in rural Battle Lake at around 5:54 p.m. on Friday, September 25, after a family member stopped by to check on a relative, later identified as Olson. Olson answered the door armed with a shotgun and assaulted the family member. He then reentered the home and barricaded himself inside.

Due to the nature of the call, the Otter Tail County SWAT Team responded and attempted to negotiate with Olson. At one point, Olson exited the home and fired his shotgun at an armored SWAT vehicle before retreating back inside. Despite repeated requests from law enforcement, Olson refused to surrender.

Over several hours, negotiators had limited contact with Olson. At about 3 a.m., Olson appeared in the doorway armed with the shotgun. Officer Cederberg fired his department-issued firearm, striking Olson. Officers and a SWAT medic provided medical aid to Olson, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

BCA crime scene personnel documented the damage to the armored vehicle, recovered two shotguns, live ammunition and spent cartridge casings.

The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office requested the BCA investigate the use of force. Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will present its findings without recommendation on charges to the Otter Tail County Attorney’s Office for review.