BCA releases identity of officer involved in St. Paul use-of-force incident

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has identified the St. Paul police officer who used force during the Aug. 10 use-of-force incident in St. Paul involving Tayshawn Brown-Roberts, 21, of St. Paul.    

• Officer Jacob Pederson fired his department-issued firearm. He has 12 years of law enforcement experience. The St. Paul Police Department has placed him on critical incident leave. 

According to the BCA’s preliminary investigation, St. Paul police officers responded to a domestic assault call on the 400 block of Temperance Street around 9 a.m. on Aug. 10 and were told by the victim that the male suspect had fled the area and was armed with a firearm.

Officers located the male suspect, later identified as Brown-Roberts, on 12th Street near Regions Hospital. Officers attempted to detain Brown-Roberts, but he ran a short distance before being confronted by other officers. During the interaction, Brown-Roberts removed an object that appeared to be a handgun from a handbag he was carrying. At one point, Officer Pederson discharged his firearm, striking and injuring Brown-Roberts. Officers provided medical aid to Brown-Roberts, and he was transported to Regions Hospital for treatment.

BCA crime scene personnel recovered a Glock replica BB gun on scene as well as video from cameras in squad cars and others worn by the officers.  

The St. Paul Police Department requested the BCA investigate this use-of-force incident. Once the investigation is complete, the BCA will present its findings without recommendation to the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office for review.