BCA identifies man & deputies involved in Cass County deadly shooting
BCA Logo
WALKER, Min & ST. PAUL, Min. — Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is reporting the names of the people involved in the deadly officer involved shooting on November 16, 2025 in Cass County.
The BCA says the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the man who died James Weyaus,37, of Onigum.
The BCA reports deputies from the Cass County Sheriff’s Office who used force during this incident have been placed on leave pending further investigation. Cass County Deputy Kaleb Cherne fired his department-issued firearm. He has three years of law enforcement experience. Cass County Deputy David Donner fired his department-issued firearm. He has six years of law enforcement experience.
The BCA’s preliminary investigation says deputies were called just after 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 16 to the 8400 block of Old Agency Trail Northwest on a report of shots fired. Deputies arriving in the area to investigate passed a male, later identified as James Weyaus, walking alone on County Road 13.
Deputy Cherne attempted to speak with Weyaus but Weyaus ran from him and Cherne pursued him on foot.
During this foot chase, Weyaus and Deputy Cherne exchanged gunfire. Deputy Cherne was shot in his upper right leg.
Deputy Donner was responding to the foot chase and shooting when he saw Weyaus emerge onto the roadway.
Deputy Donner fired toward Weyaus, striking him. Weyaus was pronounced dead on scene.
Deputy Cherne was transported by air ambulance to a Fargo, North Dakota, hospital for treatment and has since been released.
BCA crime scene personnel recovered a 9mm handgun, a holster and multiple shell casings. Body-worn cameras captured portions of this incident.
The BCA will present its findings without recommendation on charges to the Cass County Attorney’s Office for review.
