An Isanti man fired dozens of gunshots at law enforcement officers from inside his home after a disturbance call escalated into a standoff, according to charges.
Jason Michael Phillips, 42, faces five counts of attempted murder of a peace officer and five counts of first-degree assault for using deadly force against law enforcement, according to a complaint filed Monday in Isanti County District Court.
According to court records, a neighbor called 911 on Wednesday, August 5, to report Phillips was throwing paint cans and glass jars into the street. When officers arrived, they saw a broken window and tried to contact Phillips, who retreated into the house and refused to respond to repeated attempts to communicate, including phone calls and loudspeaker announcements.
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A short time later, officers heard multiple bursts of gunfire coming from inside the residence. Investigators reported seeing smoke rise from the roof and leaves falling from trees as bullets struck them nearby. Officers estimated about 50 shots were fired during the initial exchange, prompting them to retreat and call for backup.
Multi-agency SWAT teams responded and attempted to resolve the standoff peacefully, using drones and a robot to monitor the situation and issuing loud verbal commands that could be heard blocks away. Law enforcement believed an adult woman and five children might be inside the home with Phillips.
When SWAT teams tried to breach the residence, Phillips allegedly fired multiple rounds directly at officers from inside. The complaint states that all officers targeted in the gunfire were licensed peace officers acting in the line of duty. The officers who took direct fire included members of the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, Coon Rapids Police Department, Blaine Police Department, Anoka Police Department and Ramsey Police Department.
Video feeds from drones and a robot showed Phillips had barricaded himself in the basement. The standoff continued as law enforcement worked to secure the area and ensure public safety.
The complaint does not mention any prior criminal history for Phillips. The charges each allege that Phillips attempted to kill and used deadly force against peace officers by firing at them during the standoff.
The case was filed Monday, August 10. A court date has not yet been set.
About This Charge
Minnesota’s criminal-attempt statute, § 609.17, limits punishment for attempt to no more than half the maximum for the completed offense. Attempted first-degree murder carries up to 20 years in prison, half the life maximum for the completed offense.
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