Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
MPR News Staff

New Hope officer identified in shooting of man, 62

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Officials have identified the police officer who shot an armed man in Crystal last week as a veteran of the New Hope police department.

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office says Officer Ben Harty is on standard paid leave. He joined the New Hope department in 2008.

A report from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's office said 62-year-old Ronald Klitzka died of a gunshot wound to the head at 5128 Angeline Ave N. on the evening of Nov. 10.

The sheriff's department said officers from Crystal, New Hope and Robbinsdale responded to a call of a suicidal person.

The statement said officers found an adult male with a gun. Shots were fired on both sides, and the man was killed. A Crystal police official identified the man as Klitzka.

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident at the request of the Crystal and New Hope police departments, according to a statement from the sheriff's office.