Gunman Shot Dead After Chaos in Northern Minnesota

Duluth, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension sent a team of agents to the Duluth area today to investigate a fatal officer-involved shooting.

A news release issued this afternoon by the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office says a 911 call came in around 9:20 AM reporting a structure fire in Normanna Township, north of Duluth. The 911 caller stated that their neighbor had sprayed a family member with gasoline and set their home on fire.

A short time later, another neighbor called 911 and reported the same man was armed with a rifle. The caller indicated the suspect was living next door, and the suspect’s home was engulfed in flames.

St. Louis County authorities soon learned that the man had attempted to set a second home on fire. A volunteer firefighter from the township arrived at the scene and was able to help the homeowners with both fires. The firefighter also reported hearing shots fired around 9:30 AM and believed the gunfire was directed at him.

A little over five minutes later, the news release indicates a Duluth Township police officer arrived at the scene and was fired at by the suspect. The officer did not return fire.

Shortly after 9:50 AM, five deputies from the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office approached the area where the homes were burning and encountered the suspect. The Sheriff's Office says that led to the deputies discharging their firearms, striking and fatally wounding the suspect.

The news release says none of the law officers, first responders, or neighbors suffered physical injuries.

St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay said in a statement: “I am extremely grateful that no innocent neighbors, no firefighters, and no law enforcement officers were hurt or killed today. This was a chaotic and very dangerous incident. I’ve been to the scene myself, and I could not be more proud of our deputies — they used their training, their experience, and their teamwork to protect the community and safely end this dangerous situation."

The Sheriff's Office says that during the investigation, homemade devices were found on and near the scene. Investigators believe they were designed to fire projectiles at first responders as they approached by road.

The five deputies involved in the fatal shooting were wearing body cameras. The officers have been placed on paid administrative leave while the incident is investigated.