Duluth (trfnews.i234.me)—In the early hours of Monday, Duluth police responded to a series of alarming incidents involving 42-year-old resident Benjamin Conway. At approximately 12:30 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of North 1st Avenue East following reports of an unwanted individual. Upon arrival, they learned that an unknown male had entered an apartment wielding a fire extinguisher but left after being confronted by the homeowner.
As officers proceeded through the building, multiple tenants reported smoke in the hallways and sightings of a man running with a fire extinguisher. The situation escalated when residents began evacuating due to the individual pulling the fire alarm.
The chaos intensified when another 911 caller reported that the suspect had broken into their apartment, stolen a firearm, and discharged it in the hallway before fleeing on foot. Subsequently, the suspect confronted another individual, pointing the firearm at them before continuing his flight. He then knocked on another apartment door; the occupants, believing it was the police, allowed him entry. After they exited, officers observed the suspect fleeing the scene, using other evacuating residents as cover.
Despite repeated commands from the officers, the suspect continued to flee, discarding the firearm in the process. A brief foot chase ensued, culminating in the apprehension of Benjamin Conway. He was transported to a local hospital and, as of Tuesday morning, remains hospitalized with no booking photo available.
I’m Chris Harper, and I’m reporting for TRF News.
Did you know?
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The Duluth Police Department often utilizes social media platforms like Facebook to update the community on ongoing investigations and public safety concerns.
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Fire extinguishers, while essential safety devices, can be misused in criminal activities, leading to unexpected hazards such as impaired visibility and respiratory issues.
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Pulling a false fire alarm is a criminal offense and can lead to significant legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.