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NORMANNA TOWNSHIP — A man was shot and killed by St. Louis County sheriff’s deputies Tuesday morning after allegedly setting multiple fires, trying to ignite another home, and opening fire on first responders in a tense standoff northeast of Duluth.
The incident began around 9:20 a.m. when the county’s 911 center received a call reporting that a resident on Heritage Trail near East Pioneer Road had sprayed a family member with gasoline and set their house on fire. Moments later, another neighbor reported the same suspect was armed with a rifle, and that his own home was also in flames.
As the situation unfolded, dispatchers learned the suspect had also attempted to set fire to a second nearby residence. A volunteer firefighter from Normanna Township arrived alone and was able to help put out both fires.
At 9:27 a.m., the firefighter reported hearing gunshots after leaving the first home. Another nearby resident confirmed hearing gunfire. The firefighter believed he had been shot at and took shelter.
At 9:36 a.m., a Duluth Township police officer arrived on scene and was fired upon by the suspect. The officer was not hit and did not return fire.
At 9:52 a.m., five St. Louis County deputies approached the area of the burning homes. As they did, they encountered the armed suspect. All five deputies discharged their weapons, striking the man. Deputies immediately began life-saving efforts, but the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
No deputies, neighbors or other first responders were physically injured.
Investigators later found what appeared to be homemade devices designed to fire projectiles at first responders as they approached by road.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the shooting. The five deputies involved were wearing body cameras and have been placed on standard administrative leave.
“I am extremely grateful that no innocent neighbors, no firefighters, and no law enforcement officers were hurt or killed today,” Sheriff Gordon Ramsay said in a statement. “This was a chaotic and very dangerous incident. I’ve been to the scene myself, and I could not be more proud of our deputies — they used their training, their experience, and their teamwork to protect the community and safely end this dangerous situation.”
