Two of the Minneapolis police officers involved in the shooting death of Terrance Franklin in May received an honor Saturday for their service in the line of duty.
Officers Ricardo Muro and Michael Meath were awarded the Purple Heart from the Military Order of the Purple Heart's First Responder program, Minneapolis police said.
The honor goes to Minnesota officers wounded or killed for their sacrifices in the line of duty, police said. Muro and Meath were shot by Franklin, who had broken into a home and fired on officers, Minneapolis police said.
"Congratulations to both officers for their sacrifice, service and heroism," Minneapolis police said.
According to the police version of events, officers cornered Franklin in
the basement of a home he took refuge in after he wrecked his car during a police chase May 10. Franklin struggled, grabbed an officer's submachine gun and fired, wounding Muro and Meath. Neither of their wounds were life-threatening.
Officers returned fire and shot Franklin dead.
Franklin's family challenged the officers' version of the events; in September, a grand jury cleared Minneapolis police of wrongdoing.
"I respect it, and the community should respect it," said Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman of the grand jury's decision in Franklin's death.
Officer Mark Durand told investigators that Franklin fought for the MP5 submachine gun before firing it at the officers.
Officer Luke Peterson shot Franklin four times with his handgun and Meath also shot Franklin four times.
Franklin was shot in the head, neck and upper torso, police officials said. Officials said Franklin's DNA was found on the MP5's pistol grip and trigger.
Copyright 2013 - Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
