Police Say Duluth Homicide Suspect Killed in Deputy Shooting
BY MN CRIME STAFF
A man who shot and killed another man in Duluth on Tuesday afternoon died in a deputy-involved shooting that same night, according to law enforcement.
Authorities say the suspect fled the homicide scene and was later killed during an exchange of gunfire with deputies after a pursuit on Grand Avenue around 9:40 p.m.
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The first shooting happened around 3:40 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, in the 400 block of Piedmont Avenue in Duluth. Officers arrived on a report of gunfire and found a 33-year-old man suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Police attempted CPR and other lifesaving measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
PREVIOUSLY: 33-Year-Old Man Found Fatally Shot in Duluth
Authorities identified the victim as 33-year-old Darius Handy, of Duluth. Investigators say the suspect fled the area in a vehicle after the shooting. Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa said the suspect and Handy were known to each other and had prior police cases involving both parties, but he did not detail the nature of that relationship.
Ceynowa said the suspect fired from his vehicle at Handy while both were driving. Handy was shot while behind the wheel and the suspect fled the scene.
Hours later, around 9:40 p.m., a Saint Louis County deputy attempted to stop a driver after the driver was seen driving recklessly near Grand Avenue & 59th Avenue West. The driver sped away after the deputy activated emergency lights. On the 7900 block of Grand Avenue, another deputy performed a PIT maneuver, spinning the vehicle.
After the vehicle was spun out, gunfire was exchanged between the driver and deputies. The driver was struck and died at the scene despite lifesaving efforts. Deputies were not injured.
PREVIOUSLY: Deputies Fatally Shoot Driver After Duluth Pursuit
Saint Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay said a handgun was recovered at the scene. Body-worn camera and squad camera footage were active during the incident and have been secured as part of the investigation.
Authorities believe the man who died in the deputy-involved shooting is the same person suspected of killing Handy earlier in the day. Officials said further analysis of evidence from both scenes is underway to confirm that connection.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, at the request of the sheriff’s office, is leading the investigation into the deputy-involved shooting. The sheriff said the deputies involved have been placed on critical incident leave, which is standard procedure.
Grand Avenue was closed between 78th Avenue West and 83rd Avenue West during the investigation. Authorities said the homicide investigation and the deputy-involved shooting remain active as evidence continues to be analyzed.
Officials said violent crime in the community has trended downward overall, including firearm-related incidents, but acknowledged the impact of gun violence occurring in busy areas during both mid-afternoon and evening hours.
Authorities said investigators continue working to determine the full connection between the two incidents. Officials have not released the identity of the man who died in the deputy-involved shooting.
