Minneapolis Park Police Officer Injured When Holstered Gun Fired During Struggle, Charges Say

Minneapolis Park Police Officer Injured When Holstered Gun Fired During Struggle, Charges Say

By MinneapoliMedia Staff

MINNEAPOLIS — A 71-year-old Minneapolis Park Police officer was injured Tuesday afternoon when his service weapon discharged during a violent struggle with a suspect in the Lowry Hill East neighborhood, according to criminal charges filed this week.

Authorities say Officer Daniel McShane, a retired Minneapolis Police sergeant with more than three decades of law enforcement experience, was attempting to detain a man accused of inappropriately touching children at Mueller Park when the altercation occurred.

Confrontation at Mueller Park

Police reports indicate that at approximately 1:15 p.m. on August 12, McShane located the suspect, Tazrick Tobias Nall, 28, in an alley near the park. When McShane tried to take him into custody, Nall allegedly resisted, prompting the officer to deploy his Taser. The device appeared to have little effect.

During the ensuing struggle, Nall allegedly grabbed for McShane’s holstered handgun. Prosecutors say the firearm discharged while still secured in the holster, striking McShane in the arm. Investigators have not yet determined whether the wound was caused by a bullet, muzzle flash, or debris from the blast.

Officer’s Condition and Response

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described McShane’s injury as non-life-threatening. The officer was treated at Hennepin Healthcare and later released. Per standard protocol, McShane has been placed on paid administrative leave while the incident is under review.

The Minneapolis Police Department is leading the investigation at the request of the Park Police, given the involvement of a firearm discharge.

Suspect in Custody

Nall was arrested at the scene and remains in custody on $100,000 bail. He is charged with second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and disarming a peace officer.

According to the criminal complaint, Nall told investigators he was angered by being Tased and wanted to fire a “warning shot,” claiming the officer “didn’t deserve to have a gun.”

Court records show Nall has an extensive criminal history, including a 2023 conviction for second-degree assault involving a box cutter, as well as prior convictions for trespassing, criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct, and assault. He has also been civilly committed for mental health treatment five times since 2017.

Witness Accounts and Community Reaction

Several residents reported hearing a loud pop before seeing officers pursue the suspect through the alley. One neighbor described the injured officer as flushed and visibly exhausted, offering him water as emergency responders arrived.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has not yet issued a formal statement on the incident.

Ongoing Investigation

Chief O’Hara emphasized that the discharge of a firearm from within a holster is a rare occurrence and will be thoroughly examined by investigators.

“This was a dangerous, fast-moving encounter that could have ended much worse,” O’Hara said. “We are grateful that Officer McShane is expected to make a full recovery.”

Incident At A Glance

MinneapoliMedia