2 Arrested After Suspects Fire at Deputies in Appleton Standoff
BY MN CRIME STAFF
Two people were arrested Friday afternoon after a law enforcement incident involving reports of gunfire in Appleton.
The incident drew a large police response and is now under investigation by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
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Authorities say the situation began at about 9:15 a.m. Friday on the 100 block of Reuss Avenue in Appleton after Swift County received a report that two suspects were breaking into a green vehicle and firing a gun.
Swift County sheriff’s deputies along with officers from the Appleton and Benson police departments responded to the area. While officers were on the way, dispatchers received additional information that the suspects had begun firing into a residence.
When two deputies arrived at the scene they located the green SUV occupied by two adults, a male and a female. According to officials, the pair exited the vehicle and the male began firing at deputies. Deputies returned fire and the suspects retreated back into the vehicle.
Authorities say deputies and officers repeatedly ordered the suspects to surrender, but they refused to follow commands.
READ MORE > Swift County coverage
Officers from assisting agencies established a perimeter and held the scene until the West Central SWAT Team arrived with armored vehicles. Negotiators attempted to communicate with the suspects, who authorities said appeared to be under the influence of narcotics and were acting erratically.
Officials said the suspects periodically exited the vehicle during the standoff. Officers deployed less-lethal munitions in an attempt to gain compliance, but those efforts were initially unsuccessful. Tear gas was eventually deployed into the vehicle’s passenger compartment.
The suspects later exited the vehicle and followed officers’ commands. Both were taken into custody and have not yet been identified.
Authorities say the male and female each suffered minor injuries from the less-lethal munitions but neither was injured by gunfire. They were transported separately to area hospitals, one to Appleton Area Health and the other to Benson Hospital, before being taken to the Douglas County Jail.
Officials said no citizens, deputies or officers were injured during the incident.
Appleton Area Health said the hospital temporarily entered lockdown during the incident while officers worked in the area. City officials also closed the Appleton Civic Center and other municipal buildings during the response.
An elementary school located nearby did not confirm whether it entered lockdown but said school officials were coordinating with law enforcement and that all students and staff were safe.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension was requested to investigate the officer-involved shooting. Authorities say the case remains under investigation and additional details have not yet been released.
The incident drew a large police response and is now under investigation by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.