Bismarck Police Release Body Camera Footage of Officer-Involved Shooting Following March Traffic Stop Incident
Bismarck, ND — In a move toward continued transparency and public accountability, the Bismarck Police Department held a news conference Tuesday afternoon, releasing body camera footage and official findings related to a March officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of 53-year-old Melanie Udell.
The incident occurred during a routine traffic stop initiated by Officers Matthew James and Nathan Anderson. According to the footage and accompanying statements, the situation escalated rapidly when Udell reportedly refused to comply with officers’ commands and struck Officer James with her vehicle. The video, described by police officials as “intense,” was made public to provide clarity around the timeline and decisions that led to the use of lethal force.
The Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) conducted a thorough review of the incident and determined that Officer Anderson’s use of his firearm was justified under the circumstances. Their findings were corroborated by Burleigh County State’s Attorney Julie Lawyer, who confirmed that no criminal charges would be filed in relation to the officer’s actions.
“After reviewing the body camera footage, evidence, and statements, it is clear that Officer Anderson responded to an imminent threat,” Lawyer stated. “The suspect had already used her vehicle as a weapon and posed a continued danger to Officer James and potentially others in the vicinity.”
According to police, the incident began when officers attempted a standard traffic stop on Udell’s vehicle. After initially stopping, Udell suddenly accelerated and struck Officer James with her car. In response, Officer Anderson discharged his weapon, striking Udell. She was transported to a nearby hospital but later died from her injuries.
Bismarck Police Chief Dave Draovitch addressed the media, defending the actions taken by his officers and emphasizing the split-second decisions required in life-threatening situations.
“Officer Anderson’s quick response likely prevented the loss of Officer James’ life,” said Chief Draovitch. “If he had not acted, Ms. Udell could have struck Officer James again, potentially fatally.”
Officer James, who was injured in the incident, is currently recovering from significant knee trauma. Police officials report that he will require surgery and is expected to be out of regular duty for up to a year as he undergoes rehabilitation.
The Bismarck Police Department emphasized that the decision to release the video footage—despite its graphic nature—was driven by a commitment to openness and public trust.
“We understand the community deserves to see what happened,” Draovitch added. “We take every officer-involved shooting with the utmost seriousness. Transparency is not only our obligation—it’s our promise.”
While public reaction to the video remains mixed, many have expressed appreciation for the department’s willingness to release the footage and provide clear updates on the investigation. Advocacy groups and civil rights organizations have called for continued review of use-of-force policies and officer training in the aftermath of such events.
In the coming weeks, Bismarck PD will host community forums to address questions, hear concerns, and engage in open dialogue with residents about policing standards, de-escalation tactics, and accountability.
The incident, while tragic, has served as a sobering reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face and the importance of transparency in maintaining public confidence.
As Officer James focuses on his long road to recovery and the department reflects on the events of that March day, the city of Bismarck continues to grapple with the complexity of justice, safety, and the human cost of conflict.