Five Minnesota police officers working “undercover” were shot and wounded on Thursday as a suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
The incident took place in Benton County, a county in east central Minnesota, as officers executed a search warrant. The officers, who are expected to survive, were members of the Sherburne County Drug Task Force. The suspected shooter has been identified by authorities as 64-year-old Karl Holmberg, according to CBS News.
According to Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck, the shooting took place as the officers were executing a search warrant in Glendorado Township, about 60 miles away from Minneapolis.
“Because all [the officers] were working in an undercover capacity I cannot provide their names,” Heck said, adding that three of the officers were from the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office, one from the Princeton Police Department, and one from the Elk River Police Department.
Two of the officers were shot in their bullet proof vests while the others had gunshot wounds. The suspect was also wounded during the incident and taken to the hospital.
Heck said that the officers had arrived at a property in Glendorado around 7:00 a.m. and announced their arrival. He added that they were then fired at and returned fire. Holmberg reportedly surrendered after “several hours of negotiations,” according to Heck.
“Today five police officers were shot & injured in Benton Co, near Princeton, MN. Please pray for the officers and their families as they undergo medical treatment. Today’s injuries once again illustrate the increased and grave danger posed to law enforcement & communities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the responding officers, for answering the call in the face of danger and putting their lives on the line to help victims of crime and to keep the public safe,” the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association said in a statement.
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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz commented on the shooting, saying that he was thankful no one was killed.
“Today there was a horrific incident in Benton County where five officers were shot. Thankfully no one was killed and the suspect is now in custody. My thoughts are with the officers as they recover, and we’re keeping in close touch with the local authorities,” Walz posted on X.