A suspected car prowler is dead and a police officer was shot in the hand during an early morning gunfight Wednesday in Richfield.
According to the Richfield Police Department, a resident on the 7500 block of Morgan Ave. S. called police around 3:25 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29, to report someone targeting vehicles in the area.
Officers arrived and located a suspect nearby. The suspect fled on foot and officers gave chase, the police department said. During the pursuit, the suspect brandished a firearm and gunfire was exchanged between the suspect and officers.
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Both the suspect and an officer were hit, with the suspect pronounced deceased at the scene a short time later. The officer was taken to a local hospital for a gunshot wound to the hand and is expected to be released.
The area near Morgan Ave. S. and W. 75th St. was still blocked off Wednesday morning for evidence processing.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is leading the investigation and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office said it will evaluate the case when the BCA’s investigation is complete.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty released this written statement about the shooting:
“Our office is aware of a fatal use-of-force incident early Wednesday in Richfield. We are in contact with the BCA and will evaluate the case when their investigation is complete. We’re grateful the injured officer is being treated and is expected to be released. We also want to send our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased individual. This is a tragic and traumatic situation for all involved.”
The identity of the suspect has not yet been released.
