Deputy Troy Mayer attempted to pull over David Savela's vehicle for speeding. Savela did not stop and a brief pursuit ensued and ended when Savela's vehicle became stuck in the snow. Savela refused to exit the vehicle. At this time, Shannon Savela arrived on the scene and approached Mayer and David. Mayer deployed his taser toward David but it was ineffective. Mayer then pulled David from his vehicle and a struggle ensued. Officer Jason Worm arrived on scene, instructing Shannon to leave and joining Mayer in the attempt to take David into custody. Police allege Shannon moved to another side of the vehicle and began shooting at Mayer and Worm. The officers took cover and allegedly David and Shannon fired at the officers. Both officers fired in response, killing both.
Killer: Troy Mayer, Jason Worm
Agency: Wadena County Sheriff's Office, Sebeka Police Department
Motive: Traffic violation
Confrontation Type: Traffic Stop
Body Camera: no
Official Disposition: Pending investigation
Victim Name: Shannon Savela
Death Date: February 27, 2021
County: Wadena
Geography: Rural
Gender: Male
Age: 36
Race: White
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: No
Armed: Allegedly Armed
Weapon: gun
Threat Level: attack
Washington Post Database ID: 6646