BCA Identifies Man Killed After Exchanging Gunfire With Deputies Near Duluth

Jul 19

A man who opened fire on deputies during a chaotic series of events in Normanna Township Tuesday morning has been identified by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

57-year-old Adam Clinton Wolf died of gunshot wounds after allegedly exchanging fire with St. Louis County deputies on July 15.

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The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the cause of death Friday evening, and the BCA identified the five deputies who discharged their firearms during the confrontation. All have been placed on standard critical incident leave.

Deputies involved include Sgt. Zachary Peterson, with seven years of law enforcement experience; Deputy Charles Bennett and Deputy Matt Miranda, each with ten years; Deputy Forest Lunemann, with three years; and Deputy Michael Pikul, with seven years. All were wearing body cameras, and the BCA says it will review the footage as part of its investigation.

The incident began around 9:20 a.m. Tuesday, when a caller to 911 reported that their neighbor had sprayed a family member with gasoline and lit their home on fire near Heritage Trail and East Pioneer Road in Normanna Township. As dispatchers gathered more details, they learned the suspect had tried to ignite a second nearby home as well. A volunteer firefighter from Normanna Township arrived alone and was able to help put out the fire at the caller’s home and the second residence. Wolf’s home was found engulfed in flames and was destroyed.

PREVIOUSLY: Deputies Fatally Shoot Armed Suspect Who Set Homes on Fire

Around 9:30 a.m., the firefighter reported hearing gunfire and believed they were being shot at. A responding Duluth Township officer was also fired upon shortly after arriving but was not hit. Not long after, five deputies from the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office were moving towards the burning buildings and were shot at as well. The deputies returned fire, striking Wolf. He was pronounced dead at the scene after life-saving efforts.

Investigators later recovered a firearm believed to be a shotgun, spent shell casings and improvised shotgun-type devices scattered along the road. Sheriff Gordon Ramsay said the devices appeared to be designed to fire projectiles at first responders. Despite the nature of the attack, no officers, firefighters or neighbors were injured.

The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office requested the BCA to handle the investigation. Once complete, the findings will be presented to the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office for review.

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