Geneva cop won't be charged in Minnesota case

A Geneva police officer will not be prosecuted for firing her gun during a July dispute at a campground in Minnesota.

Winona County Attorney Tom Frost said he could find no charge that he could prove beyond a reasonable doubt.

Sarah Sullivan, 27, said she thought she heard a man threatening to kill a woman at the Prairie Island Campground. She drew her handgun and approached the two with her badge and flashlight.

Winona police said the man then moved toward her "aggressively," so she fired a warning shot into the ground.

According to the Winona Daily News, the man insisted the bullet grazed his hand, causing a wound that needed two stitches. The police, however, disagree. They said that the man ran to his car saying he was going to get a gun, but set off his burglar alarm. While trying to disconnect the battery to silence the alarm, he cut his hand, police said. No blood was found anywhere but near the battery, according to police.

The Geneva Police Department is conducting an administrative review of the incident, Cmdr. Julie Nash said Saturday. The review will determine whether Sullivan violated any of Geneva's policies or procedures; whether Sullivan or the whole department need further training; and if there is a need for policy revision.

"As far as carrying her weapon off duty, the department does not require officers to carry their weapons off duty. As long as officers adhere to all federal, state and local ordinances, they have the discretion to carry their weapons off duty," Nash said.

Sullivan is still on active duty.

Minnesota law provides that federal and out-of-state peace officers may carry their weapons in the state whether on or off duty without getting a Minnesota permit, as long as they have their police identification with them.

• Daily Herald news services contributed to this report.