Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Crime, Law and Justice
Dan Gunderson

No charges in police use of force death of Willmar man

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

A Kandiyohi County deputy will not be charged in the death of a Willmar man who died after being shocked by a Taser.

Deputy Riley Kampsen and other officers were attempting to enforce a court-ordered eviction on 75-year-old Michael James Yanacheak on Jan. 29.

When Yanacheak approached officers inside his apartment holding a knife, Kampsen shot him with a Taser.

Yanacheak later died at a St. Cloud hospital.

The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office said he died from blunt force injuries to his head after falling when shocked by the Taser.

Kandiyohi County Attorney Shane Baker reviewed the case, including video from officers’ body cameras, and determined the use of force was justified.

Baker wrote that officers retreated when Yanacheak approached with a knife, and he found that Kampsen acted to defend himself and other officers.

Yanacheak, a native of Willmar in west-central Minnesota, was a Vietnam War veteran and was buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. His obituary said he worked as a security officer at the Minnesota Capitol before returning to Willmar after retirement.