Falcon Heights meeting ends abruptly, conversation continues

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (KMSP) - The city of Falcon Heights held a workshop Wednesday night to discuss a task force that would advise its city council on police procedures.

The meeting started at 6:30 p.m. Along with city residents, Black Lives Matter- St. Paul joined the meeting. The group wants Falcon Heights to drop its contract with St. Anthony police.

Inclusion and Policing Task Force proposal:

Mayor Peter Lindstrom proposed an ‘Inclusion and Policing Task Force.” According to a handout at the meeting, the group would be a diverse group of 12-15 people who are either: residents, an owner or operator of a business or an employee of a Falcon Heights-based business. The Mayor also recommends co-chairs from the group, with one co-chair being from the city council.

Mayor Lindstrom and council members left the room after the discussion became heated. Police officers also came inside the room and were surrounded by attendees.

The Falcon Heights city administrator told the crowd if interruptions continued the meeting would be canceled.

The meeting never resumed session.

Philando Castile:

The plan comes two months after the death of Philando Castile. Castile was shot and killed by St. Anthony police officer, Jeronimo Yanez during a traffic stop on July 6.

The case is still under investigation and a decision on if Yanez will face criminal charges has not been made.