Local News | Zeke Fuhrman

By Zeke Fuhrman |

Man Shot by Officers Near Frazee Charged with Attempted Murder of Peace Officers

Police

FRAZEE, Minn. (KWAD) — A Bemidji man shot by law enforcement during a confrontation at the Frazee rest stop last week has been formally charged with multiple felonies, including attempted murder.

Todd Ole Burris, 36, faces seven felony counts in Otter Tail County District Court:

  • Two counts of first-degree attempted murder of a peace officer

  • Two counts of first-degree assault on a peace officer

  • Two counts of second-degree assault

  • One count of fleeing a peace officer

The incident began around 5:36 p.m. on July 9, when the Becker County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic disturbance at a rural residence. According to the criminal complaint, Burris allegedly assaulted the victim, slashed her tires, and left the scene with a firearm.

Lt. Luke Sweere of the Becker County Sheriff’s Office later spotted Burris’ vehicle in Detroit Lakes and attempted a traffic stop. Burris initially complied but then sped off, reportedly reaching speeds over 100 mph.

Burris eventually pulled into the Frazee rest stop on U.S. Highway 10, where Sweere and Detroit Lakes police officer Philip Vaughn pursued him. According to the complaint, Burris exited his vehicle and pointed a handgun at Sweere. Both officers responded by firing their weapons, striking Burris in the legs.

Law enforcement from Otter Tail County and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) responded to the scene. Investigators reported finding Burris’ vehicle with multiple bullet holes on the driver’s side and a black semi-automatic handgun on the driver’s seat. Unspent cartridges were also found on the ground nearby.

BCA agents also documented bullet damage to both officers’ squad vehicles, with spent shell casings and magazines near each.

Body camera and squad car footage reportedly show Burris holding a gun and pointing it at Sweere before gunfire was exchanged. Vaughn returned fire from behind Sweere’s squad car. Officers later approached Burris, removed him from the vehicle, and administered aid.

Burris was transported to Essentia Hospital in Fargo with non-life-threatening injuries. He was booked into Otter Tail County Jail on July 14 and is now awaiting trial. His first court appearance was scheduled for Tuesday morning.

Both officers involved are on critical incident leave during the ongoing BCA investigation. Sweere has 26 years of law enforcement experience, and Vaughn has 16. Once complete, the BCA will submit its findings to the Otter Tail County Attorney’s Office for review, without a recommendation.