Five Officers Shot During Search Warrant Execution in Minnesota

In a concerning incident, five officers from the Sherburne County Drug Task Force were shot while executing a search warrant in Glendorado Township, near Princeton, Minnesota. The incident occurred on Thursday morning, and a 64-year-old suspect has been apprehended in connection with the shooting.

The officers arrived at a residence to execute the warrant shortly after 7 a.m., according to authorities. Inside the house, the 64-year-old suspect opened fire on the officers, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that five officers were shot during the encounter. Fortunately, their injuries are reported to be non-life-threatening.

Three of the injured officers sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds and were transported to North Memorial Health Hospital. The remaining two deputies, who were shot in their bulletproof vests, were taken to a hospital in St. Cloud but have since been released.

The members of the Drug Task Force included three officers from the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office, an investigator from the Princeton Police Department, and another investigator from the Elk River Police Department.

A man who identified himself as the best friend of the first officer shot revealed that his friend had undergone surgery after being shot twice in the chest and once in another part of his body.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office received assistance from “several” other agencies during the unfolding “critical incident,” which took place near the intersection of 190th Avenue Northeast and Glendorado Road Northeast. A woman was present inside the house at the time of the incident and was taken to a medical center but has since been released. Authorities have not disclosed whether the woman was involved in the incident or if she has been arrested.

The 64-year-old suspect was taken into custody before noon on Thursday. He was airlifted from the scene, with the sheriff’s office confirming that the suspect sustained injuries during the incident. The nature and extent of the suspect’s injuries are not yet known, and authorities have not revealed the specific reason for the search warrant.

In response to the incident, Governor Tim Walz expressed his concern, stating, “Today there was a horrific incident in Benton County where five officers were shot. Thankfully, no one was killed, and the suspect is now in custody. My thoughts are with the officers as they recover, and we’re keeping in close touch with the local authorities.”

You can also read: Morgan State University Announces Security Wall After Homecoming Shooting

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension will oversee the investigation into this incident. Special Agent Michelle Frascone indicated that the BCA is processing the scene and reviewing body and squad camera footage of the event.

Glendorado Township is located in Benton County, approximately 20 miles east of St. Cloud.

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