A Richfield, Minnesota car prowler shot a police sergeant in the hand during a violent confrontation, only to have his family attack law enforcement after bodycam footage proved officers acted in self-defense.

Officer Shot During Violent Arrest Attempt

Richfield police responded to reports of car prowler Desaver Brian Hollis near the 7500 block of Morgan Avenue shortly before 3:30 a.m. on April 29. Officers located Hollis one block away on Oliver Avenue South and attempted to stop him. Hollis immediately fled, forcing Sergeant Mario Leon and Sergeant Kristian Schultz to pursue. When Schultz deployed his Taser and struck Hollis, the suspect fought both officers on the ground before pulling a firearm and shooting Sergeant Leon in the hand.

Both sergeants returned fire in self-defense, fatally wounding Hollis during the exchange. The entire incident occurred within seconds of the initial confrontation. Sergeant Leon received treatment for his gunshot wound and has since recovered from the injury sustained during the violent encounter.

Family Demands Evidence Then Attacks Release

On May 4, the Hollis family and their legal representatives publicly accused Richfield police of conducting a cover-up. Nikki Holiday, serving as legal liaison for the family, told reporters that simply stating a weapon was brandished left too many questions unanswered. She demanded the release of body camera footage, police vehicle videos, and all 911 calls related to the incident before anyone smeared the victim.

The family announced they had hired a national civil rights law firm to pursue legal action against the City of Richfield and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. One day later, on Monday, Richfield police released the complete bodycam footage showing the entire encounter exactly as officers described. The video clearly shows Hollis fleeing, fighting officers, drawing a weapon, and shooting Sergeant Leon before officers returned fire.

Video Confirms Officer Account

The released footage validated every detail of the police account, showing Hollis initiated the deadly force that required officers to defend themselves. Despite demanding transparency and evidence, the Hollis family and their legal representatives immediately criticized police for releasing the bodycam video. The footage eliminates any question about who initiated the gunfire and whether officers acted appropriately under life-threatening circumstances. The incident demonstrates the split-second decisions law enforcement faces when suspects choose violence over compliance during routine investigations.