Man Dies of Self-Inflicted Gunshot in Cub Foods After Saint Paul Shootout, 2 Others Hurt

Jul 11

A man who exchanged gunfire with Saint Paul officers and ran into a Cub Foods store died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound Friday, ending a series of chaotic events that also left two women shot and injured.

Saint Paul police say the incident began around 11:40 a.m. on the 1500 block of Jessamine Lane, where officers responded to a weapons-related call reporting a gunshot fired inside a home.

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The man allegedly involved fled the scene on foot before police arrived, reportedly taking a young child with him.

Officers searched the area and learned the man and the child may have entered the Aldi store on the 1100 block of Clarence Street. Inside the store, officers located the pair and attempted to speak with the man. According to police, the man shoved officers and ran to the front of the store, where he pulled out a handgun and pointed it at them. Officers fired at the man inside the store, but no officers or bystanders were struck. The child was recovered at that point and was unharmed.

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The man fled from Aldi on foot, pursued by an officer, and ran past Destiny Café 2, where two adult women were shot. Both were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The man continued through the Cub Foods parking lot and toward the grocery store, which was open and occupied at the time. An officer fired several rounds toward the man as he approached the store. He then entered the building, prompting a large response that included patrol officers, SWAT and negotiators.

Uncertain how many people might be injured or involved inside, a rescue team entered the store and located the man, who was reportedly contained in an area of the building. Negotiators tried to engage with him, but he ultimately suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the department says. Officers provided medical aid until Saint Paul Fire medics arrived and pronounced him dead at the scene.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is now leading the investigation, including review of body camera footage from the officers involved. All involved officers have been placed on standard administrative leave. The man’s identity has not been released and no additional information has been made public.

“Today, our Saint Paul Police Department responded quickly and decisively to a call for shots fired in our Payne/Phalen neighborhood, preventing what could have been a far more dangerous situation. I am grateful for their actions and those of our Saint Paul Fire Department in caring for the victims injured by reckless gun violence. We hold the victims in our thoughts and pray for a full, speedy recovery.” - Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter

The BCA is expected to release further updates as their investigation continues.

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