Hennepin County Sheriff Deputy Shot Serving Search Warrant In Minnetonka

(KNSI) – Two Hennepin County Sheriff Deputies were injured while trying to serve a warrant at a home in Minnetonka on Wednesday.

The incident in the Twin Cities suburb happened at about 11:15 a.m. One of the deputies was shot, but the injuries have been determined to be non-life-threatening. He was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center. The other was treated on scene.

It is unclear at this point what caused the original exchange of gunfire. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating. Several blocks of Crestwood Drive are shut down, with a large law enforcement presence still on the scene.

One suspect, wearing a bulletproof vest, was found dead in the yard of the home. He does not appear to be the person who officers had tried to serve the warrant to initially, though. Reports say several weapons are near the dead suspect.

They add that a drone is being used to clear the house before officers attempt to enter it and clear the scene.

Governor Tim Walz says the incident reinforces the need to continue investing in public safety. Lawmakers are also weighing in.

GOP Rep. Paul Novotny from Elk River breathed a sigh of relief. “I am grateful to hear that both deputies involved in today’s incident are expected to make a full recovery.

“Every day, law enforcement officers put on their uniforms, say goodbye to their families, and step into a world that has become increasingly hostile to their work and one where criminals have become further emboldened to do them harm. Now more than ever, law enforcement needs to know that they have the full support of elected officials and that we will do everything we can to make sure they have the resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.”

The shootout comes about two months after two police officers and a firefighter paramedic were killed in Burnsville. Last fall, five people were shot during a raid in Benton County.

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