MAHNOMEN (KDLM) – The Mahnomen County Sheriff’s Office has released body cam footage from an officer involved shooting that occurred in Mahnomen County on March13, 2022.
The BCA says a Deputy was trying to stop a car driven by Shequoya Basswood of Mahnomen for speeding on Highway 200. That officer’s car slid into the ditch and Deputy Dakota Czerny picked up the pursuit. He forced Basswood’s car into the ditch in Naytahwaush. Two of the six people in the car ran, including Basswood. Investigators say she was shot when she showed a handgun.
“The purpose of releasing this segment of video is transparency. There is a narrative being pushed through social media from a coalition out of the Twin Cities area stating that Deputy Czerny attempted to murder Basswood. This coalition has created a “Wanted” poster regarding Deputy Czerny, which raises serious questions about Deputy Czerny’s safety. The intent of releasing this video is to make the public aware of the facts,” said Mahnomen County Sheriff Josh Guenther.
The video, which can be seen below shows Deputy Czerny retreat away from the suspect’s car, drawing his firearm, and ordering her to drop the gun. Basswood, the suspect then turns toward Deputy Czerny and points a gun it at him. Deputy Czerny, then fires several shots, striking Basswood.
Basswood survived the incident after being hospitalized in Fargo and was charged with 1st Degree Assault, 1st Degree Murder – Attempt, Felon Convicted of Crime of Violence – Firearm or Ammunition Violation, Possession of Ammo/Any Firearm, Fleeing a Police Officer, and Carry/Possesses Pistol Without a Permit.
See the video below WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT