NORMANNA TOWNSHIP — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension announced the identities of those involved in a fatal use-of-force incident in St. Louis County on Tuesday, July 15.
According to the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office, Adam Clinton Wolf, 57, died of gunshot wounds.
The BCA identified five St. Louis County deputies who shot their guns during the exchange: Sgt. Zachary Peterson, Deputy Charles Bennett, Deputy Matt Miranda, Deputy Forest Lunemann and Deputy Michael Pikul.
Bennett and Miranda each have 10 years of law enforcement experience, Peterson and Pikul have seven years, and Lunemann has three years of experience.
St. Louis County authorities were dispatched to a neighborhood in Normanna Township just before 9:30 a.m. on July 15. A man, later identified as Wolf, reportedly started fires at his home and at two of his neighbors'. Wolf was reportedly moving around on a riding lawnmower while armed with a rifle-style weapon. When deputies approached Wolf, he fired his weapon, prompting the exchange of gunfire.
All deputies involved were wearing body cameras, with BCA agents expected to review the video evidence as part of the investigation.
Once complete, the BCA will present its findings without recommendation to the St. Louis County Attorney's Office for review.
-
Plus: Petition aims to force public vote on Carlton-Wrenshall consolidation; alumni take one last trip through Nashwauk High School before demolition. -
Contributed/Minnesota Secretary of State's OfficeSecretary of State Steve Simon presented five St. Louis County election workers with Excellence in Election Awards on Nov. 20, 2025. -
Andrew Dziengel/KAXEAfter receiving private grant funding for a new permanent exhibit, the Beltrami County Historical Society is seeking a diverse group of people to serve on an Exhibit Advisory Committee. -
Contributed/Minnesota Department of Public SafetyThe Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension identified the man and deputies involved in a deadly exchange of gunfire in Onigum on Nov. 16, 2025. -
Chelsey Perkins/KAXENorth Star Manganese CEO Rick Sandri presented the findings Nov. 12, 2025, to the Emily City Council and an overflow crowd of people at Emily City Hall. -
Plus: Secretary of State Steve Simon presented St. Louis County election workers with awards; and the Minnesota Department of Health presented two Northwest Minnesota practitioners with rural health awards.
-
Contributed/Eric KlangPlanning for natural disasters minimizes the impact of events that can cause vast economic loss and personal hardship, and plan updates make the county eligible for FEMA funding. -
Contributed/City of BemidjiAs a board member, Audrey Thayer will help guide efforts to inform state legislators on issues such as local government aid, economic development, transportation and environmental policy. -
Contributed/Minnesota Department of HealthDr. Joseph Corser, a medical director at Sanford Bemidji, and Nicole Kiesow, physician assistant from the Headwaters Health Clinic in Fosston, were recognized for their contributions to rural health. -
Canva Pro designThe two teen boys, ages 13 and 14, were reportedly trying to ice fish Nov. 18, 2025, when their sled fell into the water on Straight Lake near Osage.
