The community of Bagley, Minnesota, was shaken by a fatal officer-involved shooting on November 13, 2025, that claimed the life of 71-year-old Dennis Hoie. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, which unfolded after a vehicle pursuit and a tense confrontation in a residential neighborhood. Authorities confirmed that body-worn cameras from involved officers were activated and captured the full sequence of events.

The situation began when a Clearwater County deputy spotted Hoie at a Cenex convenience store in Bagley. The deputy recognized him as a man with an active felony arrest warrant and attempted to take him into custody. According to official reports, Hoie resisted the deputy’s efforts, leading to a physical altercation. During the struggle, Hoie managed to break free, flee the scene, and enter his vehicle, prompting officers to initiate a pursuit.

The ensuing chase involved both the Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office and the Bagley Police Department. Officers followed Hoie through town and into a residential area, where the pursuit came to an end in a yard. Authorities reported that officers attempted to negotiate with Hoie, instructing him to exit his vehicle multiple times. Instead, Hoie allegedly discharged a device that fired a flare-type projectile in the direction of the officers.

At that moment, a deputy responded by firing their service weapon, striking Hoie. Additional officers immediately attempted life-saving measures at the scene. Despite their efforts, Hoie was pronounced dead shortly afterward. One deputy suffered a minor injury during the earlier physical confrontation but was treated and released.

In alignment with Minnesota protocol for officer-involved shootings, the BCA assumed responsibility for the investigation. Agents collected forensic evidence, interviewed the officers involved, and examined the activated body-camera footage. The agency has stated that it will issue a full report upon completing its investigation, after which prosecutors will review the findings to determine whether the use of force was justified under state law.

As news of Hoie’s death reached his family, a relative took to Facebook to share a heartfelt tribute, describing him as a “proud Vietnam Veteran” and a man known for his kindness and gentle nature. The family member expressed that Hoie had long struggled with PTSD and ongoing mental health challenges, noting that these issues “tragically took his life.” Their statement added an emotional layer to the unfolding investigation, prompting reflection within the community about the impacts of trauma, aging, and access to mental health support for veterans.

The Bagley incident has sparked conversations about the complexities officers face when responding to individuals with mental health conditions, especially during high-risk encounters. As the investigation proceeds, Clearwater County officials have expressed condolences to Hoie’s family and emphasized their commitment to transparency throughout the review process.