NORMANNA TOWNSHIP — The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating after St. Louis County sheriff’s deputies killed a person Tuesday, July 15.
The deputies were responding to a scene involving alleged shots fired and arson fires northeast of Duluth.
The sheriff’s office said five deputies encountered a person believed to be responsible for setting their home and the homes of two neighbors on fire that morning. That same person also allegedly opened fire at a Normanna Township volunteer firefighter and a Duluth Township police officer, according to law enforcement.
The 911 dispatch center first received a call reporting a house fire at about 9:20 a.m. on Heritage Trail near East Pioneer Road. The caller reported that their neighbor had sprayed a family member with gasoline before setting the fire.
Soon after, another neighbor called in, reporting that the same suspect was armed with a rifle, the sheriff’s office said.
As the incident evolved and 911 Dispatch continued gathering information, it was learned the suspect also attempted to set fire to a second nearby home.
The volunteer firefighter arrived on scene and was able to help put out both fires at the neighbors’ homes. After hearing gunshots, they immediately sheltered in place. The police officer who responded soon after also heard gunshots and did not return fire.
A half-hour after the initial call, the sheriff’s deputies arrived. They encountered the suspect, and all five fired their weapons, striking the suspect. The sheriff’s office said life-saving measures were attempted, but the person was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was injured.
Authorities said homemade devices were found on and near the scene that appeared to be designed to fire projectiles as responders approached.
The five deputies were wearing body cameras. They have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard operating procedure.
The sheriff's office said it asked the BCA to investigate the incident and turned the scene over to them.
"I am extremely grateful that no innocent neighbors, no firefighters, and no law enforcement officers were hurt or killed today," said St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay in a news release.
"This was a chaotic and very dangerous incident. I’ve been to the scene myself, and I could not be more proud of our deputies — they used their training, their experience, and their teamwork to protect the community and safely end this dangerous situation."
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