SWAT Shoots Gunman Accused of Shooting at Law Enforcement Twice During Lengthy Rural Minnesota Standoff
Clarkfield, MN (KROC-AM News)- A suspected gunman was airlifted to a Twin Cities hospital following an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement during a rural Minnesota standoff over the weekend.
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The incident began with a welfare check on Saturday afternoon.
A news release issued by the Yellow Medicine County Sheriff’s Office says the suspect was the subject of a welfare check deputies were asked to perform in the small town of Clarkfield, which is just under 25 miles north of Marshall.
While responding to the welfare call around 3:15 Saturday afternoon, law enforcement learned the subject had fled to a farm with a gun, authorities say.
Deputies went to the scene and began evacuating the occupants of a nearby residence when they saw the man pointing a long gun at them, the news release says.
The man retreated into the rural residence, law enforcement set up a perimeter and began trying to make contact with the man, officials say.
Deputies then requested a SWAT team at the scene after failing to talk the man out of the home. The man then shot at law enforcement after SWAT arrival and further attempts to negotiate, according to the news release.
A member of law enforcement returned fire, striking him in the leg, authorities say. After eight hours, another SWAT team arrived to relieve members of the first team to respond.
The suspect then left the home around 6:17 Sunday morning and fired the long gun at law enforcement for a second time. SWAT returned fire and hit the man for a second time, the news release says.
Authorities then rendered aid to the individual and he was flown to a hospital in stable condition. No other injuries were reported.
The subject’s name has not been released. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the use of force incident.
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Gallery Credit: Ken Hayes