Man pleads guilty to killing Red Lake Tribal Police Officer

David Brian Donnell Jr., a 29-year-old man from Red Lake, pleaded guilty Friday to fatally shooting Red Lake Tribal Police Officer Ryan Bialke last year.

Court documents state that police responded to a call for a welfare check on Donnell at his residence in Redby, Minnesota on July 27, 2021. Five Red Lake Tribal Police Department officers arrived and found Donnell standing outside on his porch.

Police tried to have Donnell walk toward them, but he instead went inside, according to court records. Since Donnell had an active warrant and was refusing to comply, police decide to breach the door to the residence.

Donnell then opened fire on police when they breached the door, according to a news release from the United State Department of Justice. Officer Ryan Bialke was immediately struck by gunfire and fell. He later died from his wounds.

The news release states that Donnell continued to fire a Izhmash Saiga 7.62 caliber rifle at the other four police officers. One officer returned fire in order to allow the others to take cover in the woods. At least 22 shots were fired by Donnell before he fled with the rifle. Police later located and arrested Donnell at a nearby residence.

Donnell faces a maximum sentence of life in prison after pleading guilty to one count of murder in the second degree. A sentencing date has not been set.