St. Paul police Officer Michael Tschida was named officer of the year by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association this weekend for his role in responding to a man with a gun threatening his ex-girlfriend in late 2023.

On Dec. 7, 2023, while on patrol in St. Paul’s Western District, Tschida responded alone to a domestic violence call involving an armed suspect who had rammed a woman’s vehicle and was threatening to kill her, according to the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s investigation of the incident.

The woman said that Brandon Keys, 24, had chased her on Interstate 94. She said he was the father of her child and she had an order of protection against him. She said he had assaulted her when they had been together and she was afraid of him and now he was outside her van near Cretin and Marshall avenues. He had broken her window and was ramming her van with his car.

“He’s going to kill me,” she told the 911 operator.

Her current boyfriend was in the passenger seat of her van. After Keys blocked the van with his vehicle, her boyfriend got out of the vehicle. Keys pointed a gun at the other man. He tried to distract Keys to get him away from the woman and then ran away because he feared for his life.

When Tschida arrived, Keys was standing near the driver’s side of the van. Tschida exited his squad car holding his firearm and ordered Keys to get on the ground three separate times, according to the investigation. Keys ducked behind his own vehicle, a Chevrolet Impala.

Tschida moved, seeking better protective cover and to avoid putting the woman in the line of fire. Seconds after Keys ducked down, he “suddenly popped up from behind the rear of the Impala holding a black handgun,” according to the summary about what video and audio indicated.

Keys rapidly fired three shots at Tschida, striking him in the ankle. Tschida returned fire and shot Keys, who was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Toxicology testing showed methamphetamine, amphetamine, fentanyl and methadone in Keys’ blood.

Tschida went to the hospital in a squad car and applied a tourniquet to his leg on the way. The bullet went through his ankle and exited out the other side.

“Ramsey County Attorney’s Office found Officer Tschida’s actions overwhelmingly justified,” the association said. “His response under fire demonstrated exceptional courage, sound judgment, and a steadfast commitment to protecting the public.”

“Officer Tschida’s bravery and composure in the face of imminent danger embody the highest standards of our profession. His heroic actions saved lives and deserves our deepest respect,” said Brian Peters, executive director of the organization.

Other awards

The following were named honorary officers and lawmakers of the year:

Minneapolis police officer Luke Kittock >> On May 30, 2024, during the ambush of Officer Jamal Mitchell in Minneapolis, Kittock and his partner responded to the scene under active gunfire and extreme uncertainty. Despite being struck in the face by shrapnel, Kittock remained engaged, gathering information, helping locate and neutralize the shooter and protecting civilians.

Minneapolis Police Officer Ben Bauer >> On September 6, 2024, Officer Ben Bauer responded to an active shooter incident in a South Minneapolis apartment building where an armed suspect with an AK-47-style rifle had barricaded himself and was firing at residents. Officer Bauer courageously evacuated residents, coordinated containment, and ultimately took decisive action to stop the shooter and secure the scene.

Rep. Jeff Witte >> Witte, R-Lakeville, was named 2025 House of Representatives Legislator of the Year. A retired Burnsville police officer, Witte was a driving force behind the bipartisan legislation clarifying school resource officer rules for use of force. He also championed funding for law enforcement training and authored legislation to name the Burnsville Parkway bridge in honor of the Burnsville officers and firefighter/paramedic killed in the line of duty.

Sen. Jeff Howe >> Howe, R-Rockville, has been named 2025 Senate Legislator of the Year for his advocacy on behalf of law enforcement officers and first responders. A former firefighter and paramedic, Howe brings real-world experience and perspective to the Capitol, the association said.

The annual awards, based on “heroics, outstanding service or distinguished community involvement in service,” were presented Saturday at the association’s annual convention in Alexandria, Minnesota.