Melanie Udell Obituary-Death News; Melanie Udell Dies in Police Officer-Involved Shooting
A Bismarck police officer has been officially cleared of any wrongdoing in connection with a fatal officer-involved shooting that took place on March 7, 2025, in south Bismarck.
The incident, which involved Officer Nathan Anderson and resulted in the death of 53-year-old Melanie Udell, was the subject of a thorough investigation by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and a legal review by the Burleigh County State’s Attorney’s Office.
According to officials, the incident began during a routine traffic stop initiated as part of a DUI investigation. Officer Anderson had pulled over Udell when the situation quickly escalated.
During the encounter, Udell reportedly struck Officer Anderson with her vehicle. In response, the officer discharged his service weapon, striking Udell. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Following protocol, Officer Anderson was placed on administrative leave while the incident was under investigation. The BCI conducted a comprehensive review of the events, which included examining body camera footage, forensic evidence, and witness accounts.
Earlier this month, the BCI submitted its findings to Burleigh County State’s Attorney Julie Lawyer for legal evaluation. After reviewing the evidence, Lawyer concluded that the use of deadly force by Officer Anderson was legally justified under North Dakota law.
“The investigation showed that Officer Anderson acted in self-defense and in accordance with his training and responsibilities as a law enforcement officer,” said Lawyer in a public statement. “When a suspect uses a vehicle as a weapon, officers are authorized to respond with appropriate force to protect themselves and the public.”
The decision to clear Officer Anderson was based on the totality of the circumstances, including the threat posed to his life at the moment he was struck by the vehicle. While fatal officer-involved shootings are rare in Bismarck, they are treated with the highest level of scrutiny to ensure transparency, accountability, and public trust in law enforcement.
Since returning to work, Officer Anderson has been performing administrative duties within the department. Police Chief Dave Draovitch expressed his support for the officer and reiterated the department’s commitment to community safety and thorough internal review processes.
“Our officers face difficult and dangerous situations every day. This was a tragic incident, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected,” Draovitch said. “We appreciate the diligence of the BCI and State’s Attorney in their review, and we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability.”
The case has prompted some community members to express concern about the broader implications of officer-involved shootings and the need for continued training in de-escalation and mental health awareness. However, law enforcement officials have emphasized that each situation must be assessed individually and that officers must often make split-second decisions under dangerous conditions.
Melanie Udell’s family has not made a public statement since the conclusion of the investigation. It is not yet known if any civil proceedings will follow, but the legal review has closed the door on potential criminal charges against Officer Anderson.
The Bismarck Police Department continues to review its protocols and training programs to ensure that officers are fully prepared to handle a wide range of scenarios in the field. Incidents like the one on March 7 serve as stark reminders of the risks faced by law enforcement personnel and the complex realities of policing.
The community is encouraged to contact the Bismarck Police Department with any questions or concerns and to engage in open dialogue about law enforcement practices and accountability moving forward.
