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Suspect Detained After Shooting Injures Five Drug Task Force Officers in Minnesota

by Andrew Wright
7 comments
Minnesota Drug Task Force Shooting

Authorities have reported that a man has been taken into custody following the shooting of five officers from a drug task force on Thursday, near the city of Princeton, Minnesota.

Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck stated in a press conference that the officers arrived at the suspect’s residence in a rural area around 7 a.m. and were met with gunfire. The officers engaged in return fire and withdrew from the location. After several hours of negotiation, the suspect, a 64-year-old male, was apprehended at approximately 10:45 a.m. The individual had sustained injuries at some point during the incident and is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital.

Regarding the condition of the officers, Sheriff Heck noted that their injuries are not life-threatening. Three of the officers were transported to North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, a suburb of Minneapolis, and remained there for medical attention as of Thursday afternoon. Two other officers, whose bullet-resistant vests protected them from more severe injuries, were treated and discharged from CentraCare Hospital in St. Cloud.

The arrested individual is also undergoing medical treatment at North Memorial Hospital. However, details concerning the nature and severity of his injuries were not immediately disclosed by authorities.

Sheriff Heck acknowledged the day’s challenges, saying, “This has been a taxing day for us in Benton County. We are relieved that there were no fatalities or additional injuries, and we commend the courage and expertise of all the law enforcement officials involved in this incident.”

The incident occurred in Glendorado Township, situated a few miles west of Princeton and approximately 50 miles northwest of Minneapolis. The involved officers are part of the Sherburne County Drug Task Force. Of these, three are affiliated with the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office, one is from the Princeton Police Department, and another is from the Elk River Police Department. Benton County deputies were also on the scene but were unharmed.

Sheriff Heck indicated that these officers and deputies were functioning in an undercover capacity within the task force, and therefore, their identities would not be disclosed. Among those who remain hospitalized are officers from Sherburne County as well as the two aforementioned police departments. The two officers who were protected by their body armor are both from Sherburne County. Additionally, a woman who was present at the residence at the time of the shooting has been taken to a Princeton hospital for evaluation.

Footage from KMSP-TV displayed a significant law enforcement presence at the location, with officers dressed in tactical gear. KARE-TV’s coverage showed that the law enforcement focus was on a rural locale with residences nestled among wooded areas and adjacent to agricultural fields. An armored vehicle was observed patrolling the perimeter of one such field.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has been called in to handle the investigation, as is common protocol in incidents involving shootings of law enforcement officers.

The report comes from Karnowski, based in Minneapolis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Minnesota Drug Task Force Shooting

What happened in the incident near Princeton, Minnesota?

A 64-year-old man has been arrested after shooting five drug task force officers who were serving a search warrant near Princeton, Minnesota. The officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Who were the officers involved?

The officers are part of the Sherburne County Drug Task Force. Three are from the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office, one is from the Princeton Police Department, and one is from the Elk River Police Department.

What is the condition of the officers who were shot?

The injuries sustained by the officers are not life-threatening. Three were taken to North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, and two were treated and released at CentraCare Hospital in St. Cloud.

What is the status of the suspect?

The 64-year-old male suspect was taken into custody after several hours of negotiation. He also sustained injuries at some point during the incident and is currently receiving medical treatment at North Memorial Hospital.

Were there any other individuals involved or injured?

A woman who was in the home at the time of the shooting has been taken to a Princeton hospital for evaluation. Benton County deputies were also present during the incident but were not injured.

Who is handling the investigation?

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has been called in to conduct the investigation, as is standard procedure in incidents involving the shooting of law enforcement officers.

What do we know about the location of the incident?

The shooting occurred in Glendorado Township, a few miles west of Princeton, Minnesota, which is approximately 50 miles northwest of Minneapolis.

What has Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck said about the incident?

Sheriff Troy Heck noted that it was a taxing day for Benton County but expressed relief that there were no fatalities or additional injuries. He also commended the courage and expertise of all law enforcement officials involved.

Were the officers working undercover?

Yes, the officers were working undercover as part of the drug task force, and their identities will not be disclosed, according to Sheriff Heck.

Has there been any footage or media coverage of the incident?

Yes, KMSP-TV and KARE-TV have provided footage showing a significant law enforcement presence at the scene, including officers in tactical gear and armored vehicles.

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7 comments

Mike Anderson October 12, 2023 - 10:44 pm

The 64-year-old suspect, really? At that age, what’s he even involved in that gets a task force at his door at 7 am?

Reply
John Smith October 13, 2023 - 4:04 am

Man, can’t believe this happened so close to home. Those officers were lucky, could’ve been much worse.

Reply
Paul Johnson October 13, 2023 - 11:40 am

whats going on these days? Scary stuff. Stay safe everyone.

Reply
Sarah Brown October 13, 2023 - 1:15 pm

Police and task forces have tough jobs, no denying. But I agree with Jane, we need a detailed investigation to understand how and why this escalated.

Reply
Emily Williams October 13, 2023 - 2:33 pm

Prayers for the officers and their families. Also glad the woman in the house is okay, can’t even imagine what she went through.

Reply
Chris Miller October 13, 2023 - 5:33 pm

Crazy times we’re living in. A big thanks to law enforcement for keeping us safe despite the risks they face everyday.

Reply
Jane Doe October 13, 2023 - 5:36 pm

this is why we need police reform, but glad no one died. hope there’s a full investigation.

Reply

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