Shooting Incident Outside Target Store in Woodbury

WOODBURY, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – Woodbury, Minnesota Police say a suspect with a gun was shot by police this morning, following a lockdown at a local shopping center.

1. Location and Lockdown: A standoff between an armed man and police occurred outside a Target store in Woodbury, near the Valley Creek Road exit of Interstate 494. SWAT teams responded, and the store briefly went into lockdown with customers inside.
2. Injured Suspect: The wounded individual, approximately 50 years old, was transported to Regions Hospital in St. Paul by emergency medical personnel. His identity has not been disclosed.
3. Officers Involved: A Woodbury officer and a Washington County deputy, who were part of the incident, have been put on standard administrative leave.
4. Police Response: Upon discovering a vehicle with stolen license plates in the Target parking lot, officers intervened. The suspect, armed with a handgun, barricaded himself in the vehicle, leading to the deployment of SWAT, negotiators, and a social worker. Despite attempts to negotiate, the situation escalated.
5. Outcome: Police fired “less than lethal” weapons when the suspect failed to cooperate. Ultimately, the suspect exited the vehicle and pointed a handgun at officers, leading to gunfire.
6. Investigation: The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is leading the investigation, including reviewing law enforcement videos.

This incident highlights the complexities and risks faced by law enforcement officers during such encounters.

I’m Neil Berg reporting for trfnews.i234.me