Duluth, St. Louis County (trfnews.i234.me) — Investigators believe two deadly shootings in Duluth may be connected. The first killing happened in daylight. The second ended with a shootout during a traffic stop. Officials say more testing is needed before they confirm a link.
Homicide reported on Piedmont Avenue
Duluth police reported the homicide about 3:40 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10. The shooting was on the 400 block of Piedmont Avenue. That area sits next to U.S. Highway 53.
Police identified the victim as Darius Handy, 33, of Duluth. Officers found him inside his SUV. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said Handy was driving when he was shot. Investigators believe shots came from another vehicle. Both vehicles were stopped at a stop sign. The suspect vehicle left the area after the gunfire.
Traffic stop ends in a gunfight
About six hours later, deputies tried to stop a vehicle for reckless driving. The stop started on Grand Avenue near 59th Avenue West. The driver sped away.
Deputies followed through side streets in west Duluth. The chase returned to Grand Avenue. Deputies stopped the SUV near the 7900 block of Grand Avenue.
Officials said the SUV was spun out during the stop. Deputies and the driver then exchanged gunfire. The driver was hit and died at the scene. Deputies were not injured. No other passengers were inside the SUV.
Officials said a handgun was found in the driver’s seat area. They also said the earlier homicide involved a different vehicle. They said the victim and suspect may have known each other.
What happens next
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is leading the investigation. Deputies involved were placed on standard administrative leave. Officials said squad and body cameras recorded the encounter.
The suspect’s name has not been released by investigators. The BCA will later send a report to the county attorney for review.
Duluth police said there is no ongoing threat to the public. For updates, see the Duluth Police Department and the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.