Man Shot by Police Monday Night Was Wanted in Connection to Two Shootings That Left Two People Dead and Another Seriously Injured

(KNSI) — A man shot by St. Paul police Monday night was wanted in connection with two recent shootings in Minneapolis.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension identified the man as 40-year-old Earl Bennett, who has no permanent address. Police say they were looking to talk to Bennett after two people were shot to death at a homeless encampment on Sunday. Police also say Bennett may be responsible for another shooting at a sober home on Monday afternoon that left a man with a life-threatening gunshot wound.

According to a press release from the St. Paul Police Department, just before 7:45, officers were called to a report of shots fired first in the area just west of Snelling Avenue. Other calls came in saying the sounds were coming from the intersection of Snelling and University Avenues. Officers responded and found Bennett a few blocks north of University. They asked him to put down his gun and surrender, but he refused and started to walk away. They followed, all the while trying to negotiate with him to drop the gun. Less lethal methods of force were used, but when they were unsuccessful, Bennett pointed the gun at officers, who fired, injuring him.

Life saving measures were taken at the scene, and he was rushed to Regions Hospital, where he was last listed in critical condition.

No officers were hurt, and the incident was captured on body cam. Those involved are on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure following an officer involved shooting.

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