Michael Bottcher
Service Record
Rochester Minnesota Police Department
| Rank | Officer |
| Dates of Service | Hired June 2, 2022.[1] |
| Salary | $47,495 (2021)[2] |
| Last Known Status | Administrative Leave |
Incident Reports
2022 Death of Joshua Hippler
On July 30, 2022, Bottcher followed Hippler, whose license plates matched those of a suspect in an earlier robbery. Hippler drove erratically, including going the wrong way on the highway. When Bottcher pulled him over, Hippler exited his vehicle with an axe. Hippler ignored orders to drop the axe and continued to advance on Bottcher, who shot him.[3]
Officers provided medical aid to Hippler, who died at the hospital.[3]
The incident was recorded by Bottcher's body-worn camera.[3]
Response Timeline
Bottcher was placed on administrative duty.[3]
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigated.[3]
On October 24, 2022, the Mower County Attorney's Office cleared Bottcher, finding that "deadly force was necessary to protect the officer and/or other persons from death or great bodily harm."[3]
LEO Ratings
References
- ↑ Joe Ahlquist, Photos: Rochester Police Department swears in 6 new officers, Post Bulletin, 2022-06-02
- ↑ Michael Bottcher L, City of Rochester, govSalaries
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Mark Wasson, Minnesota police officer cleared in shooting man with ax; video released, Grand Forks Herald, 2022-10-28
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