SWAT Returns Fire, Killing Armed Man in West St. Paul Standoff
Officers positioned vehicles outside the home as the standoff stretched into the evening. MN CRIME PHOTO
Emergency crews are gathered near the scene of a SWAT standoff in West St. Paul Thursday evening. MN CRIME PHOTO
A man wanted on felony warrants was fatally shot by South Metro SWAT officers Thursday evening after an hours-long standoff at a home in West Saint Paul where he fired repeatedly at officers.
The incident began just after 11 a.m. when Saint Paul police located a motorcycle connected to the man outside a residence on the 1200 block of Ottawa Avenue.
Officers surrounded the home, confirmed the suspect was inside and evacuated others from the residence.
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By 2:15 p.m., South Metro SWAT had taken command of the scene. Over the next several hours, the suspect fired at officers from inside the home, striking armored vehicles and an officer’s handheld ballistic shield. Negotiators attempted to communicate with him using a phone that was thrown into the home, as well as drones and robotics to gain a visual. Officers also deployed multiple rounds of chemical irritants, but authorities say the suspect continued firing through several windows.
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Around 6:40 p.m., the suspect aimed a long gun at officers positioned outside. A SWAT officer returned fire, striking the man. Paramedics provided immediate medical aid and transported him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the use of force. Officials said no additional details would be released Thursday night but stressed there was no ongoing threat to the public. Investigators remained on scene late into the evening to collect evidence and document the incident.
During the standoff, residents in the area were urged to shelter in the lowest part of their homes and stay away from windows. A nearby school was placed on lockdown, though it was unclear if students were still inside after the end of the school day. Authorities later lifted the shelter-in-place order once the situation had been resolved.
SWAT Personnel is seen near the scene in West St. Paul on Thursday evening. MN CRIME PHOTO
