Arrest Made After Shots Fired During Drug Deal in Cottage Grove

Jul 28

A man was arrested following gunfire near a Cottage Grove strip mall Saturday night in what police say was a drug deal turned attempted robbery involving THC cartridges.

Officers responded around 5:15 p.m. Saturday to the 7200 block of East Point Douglas Road, where callers reported shots fired in the loading dock area behind a retail center.

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Officers arrived to find multiple spent shell casings and live rounds scattered across the scene, but no injuries were reported.

According to initial information, investigators determined that three people known to each other had arranged to meet in the area to exchange THC cartridges. During the transaction, an attempted robbery reportedly occurred, and the seller fired at the two people who had come to buy the cartridges.

Detectives worked through the night to identify and locate the people involved. In the early hours of Sunday morning, police arrested Landon Robert Smith, who is accused of firing the weapon. He was booked into the Washington County Jail pending charges. Police also recovered the firearm used in the shooting. The two other people involved were detained and later released as the investigation continues.

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“It is concerning anytime a gun is involved, and I’m proud of our officers for their swift and professional response,” said Cottage Grove Public Safety Director and Police Chief Pete Koerner. He said there was no ongoing threat to the public.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact Cottage Grove Police at 651-439-9381.

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