CHS grad dies after tazing incident

A former CHS grad died after police used a Tazer on him at a St. Paul apartment.

Twenty-one-year-old Joseph Kubat passed away on Sunday following an alleged altercation with police.

According to a press release, St. Paul Police and Fire Paramedics responded to a suicide call involving a controlled substance in the early morning hours on May 4.

“Upon their arrival, officers were confronted by a partially clothed 21-year-old male,” the release stated. “As officers attempted to calm and control the suspect so he could be evaluated by paramedics, the male attacked both officers.”

Police allegedly struggled with Kubat before spraying him with a “chemical aerosol irritant.” According to the release, the spray had no effect on Kubat.

“He proceeded to bite both of them,” the release stated.

As Kubat allegedly continued to fight with police, a Tazer was used.

“Officers continued attempts to control the suspect were unsuccessful and the Tazer was deployed,” the release stated.

Kubat eventually became unresponsive and then received treatment from the paramedics on scene.

According to the release, “the suspect was moved to the paramedic rig for further treatment, but did not survive.”

Kubat’s memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at Bertas Funeral Home in Chaska. Visitation will be held at Bertas Funeral Home, 5-7 p.m., Thursday.

The officers involved in the alleged altercation were treated at Regions Hospital and released. The case is currently under investigation by the Crimes Against Persons unit.

-Mollee Francisco, staff writer