St. Louis County Sheriff's Office releases video footage of fatal officer-involved shooting
The video footage captures a gunfire exchange between sheriff’s deputies and Adam Clinton Wolf of Normanna Township, who was pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities.
NORMANNA TOWNSHIP — The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday released body-worn camera and squad car video showing the fatal officer-involved shooting of a 57-year-old man earlier this month.
The video footage captures a gunfire exchange between sheriff’s deputies and Adam Clinton Wolf of Normanna Township, who was pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities.
The incident occurred July 15 after deputies were dispatched around 9:30 a.m. to reports of arson in the 6200 block of Heritage Road. According to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which is leading the investigation, Wolf allegedly set fires at his own home and two neighboring properties, and was seen traveling the area on a riding lawnmower while armed with a rifle-like weapon.
A responding firefighter extinguished flames at one of the neighbors’ homes and reported hearing gunshots, believing he was being shot at. A Duluth Township police officer arriving on scene also reported coming under fire, the BCA said.
Deputies with the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office located Wolf nearby. Authorities say Wolf fired at the deputies, prompting an exchange of gunfire in which he was struck. Despite attempts to provide medical aid, he was declared dead on the scene.
Investigators recovered a shotgun-style firearm, spent cartridge casings, and improvised shotgun-type devices near the site of the confrontation.
The released footage includes excerpts from body cameras worn by Deputies Charles Bennett, Forest Lunemann, Michael Pikul, Matt Miranda and Sgt. Zachary Peterson. The video can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbizB_mjTVY&feature=youtu.be
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident, including our deputies, 911 staff, fire and emergency personnel, as well as the neighbors and Mr. Wolf’s family,” said Sheriff Gordon Ramsay in a statement. “We hope the release of this footage provides some clarity as everyone involved attempts to understand this tragic incident.”
The BCA’s preliminary report is available at: https://dps.mn.gov/news/bca/bca-identifies-man-and-deputies-st-louis-county-force-incident.
Officials say the investigation remains active, and no additional information will be released at this time.
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