John Duane Fairbanks allegedly pulled a gun during a routine traffic stop and exchanged gunfire with Coon Rapids police about 1:30 a.m. After fleeing on foot and shooting at officers, Fairbanks hid in a nearby neighborhood. Officers found Fairbanks and exchanged gunfire again, this time killing him. Coon Rapids police Officer Alex Hattstrom and Anoka County sheriff's Deputy Christopher Vitek Jr. both fired their guns, and Coon Rapids police Officer Geoff Neumann reportedly discharged his Taser.
Victim's Name: John Duane Fairbanks
Agency Responsible: Coon Rapids Police Department, Anoka County Sheriff's Office
Gender: Male
Age: 40
Race: Native American
Date of Death: April 18, 2019
County: Anoka
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Official Disposition: Pending investigation/No Known Charges
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: No
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: gun
Threat Level: attack
Fleeing: Foot
Body Camera: Yes
Washington Post Database ID: 4637
Geography: Suburban