Minnesota man hiding from police is found dead in freezer in abandoned home

BIWABIK, Minn. (TCD) -- A 34-year-old man was found dead in a locked freezer last month after he reportedly ran from police due to an outstanding warrant.

On June 26 at 3:30 p.m., Gilbert Police Department officers responded to 304 4th Ave. in Biwabik regarding a body found inside a chest freezer in the basement of the residence. According to police, the appliance "was an older model with a latching mechanism on the outside of the freezer," which meant it was "not capable of being pushed open from inside."

The freezer was not plugged in to electricity because utilities in the home had been turned off since April 2022, and it has been vacant since February.

Police identified the man inside the freezer as Brandon Lee Buschman. In a July 7 news release, Gilbert Police said Buschman "entered the freezer on his own accord." He was reportedly last seen "fleeing from the upstairs area of the house due to a possible police presence."

There was an outstanding warrant for Buschman’s arrest, but Gilbert Police did not specify what charge.

According to police, "Investigators located a metal lawn ornament rod that was inserted from inside of the freezer towards the latching mechanism. The rod was jammed between the gasket and manufactured edge, preventing the rod from being able to manipulate the latching mechanism from the inside."

The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy and determined Buschman did not have any trauma or injury, but final autopsy results are pending.

MORE:

• Press Release - Gilbert Police Department