Officer justified in Olivia fatal shooting

A July shooting in Olivia that left a man dead and an officer on administrative leave was justified and no criminal charges will be filed, the Blue Earth County Attorney’s Office has decided.

The Blue Earth County Attorney’s Office took on the case after the Renville County Attorney’s Office redirected it due to a conflict of interest.

The BCA reported 32-year-old Ricardo Torres Jr., died of multiple gunshot wounds and also identified the officer who shot Torres as Aaron Clouse, an 11-year law enforcement veteran. Clouse was placed on administrative leave at the time.

The incident happened July 4 at about 2:20 a.m. in an alley along East Lincoln Avenue in Olivia. Police said an "altercation" ensued, and Clouse shot Torres. Torres was taken to a hospital but later died. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety said a shotgun was recovered near where Torres was shot.

The Blue Earth County Attorney’s Office says available evidence, including police dash cam, and interviews with those who were with Torres prior to the shooting, resulted in the no charging decision.