Police in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, were involved in a shooting incident late Thursday night when they responded to a domestic disturbance call. The event unfolded around 10:30 p.m. when officers were dispatched to a residence in the 3200 block of 63rd Avenue North, following reports of an individual inside the home armed with knives.
As officers attempted to negotiate with the suspect, who they indicated was becoming increasingly agitated, the situation escalated. The man emerged from the house wielding a chainsaw, prompting police to take defensive action. “While trying to arrest and control the male, officers used pepper balls and less lethal munitions before ultimately discharging their firearms, striking the suspect,” stated a police report released early Friday.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with neighbors noting that the situation escalated quickly. Tyler Ferguson, a resident in the area, recalled hearing gunfire: “I went back inside, then came back out after I heard the first round of shots, and then right after that there was like 18 shots,” he said. Ferguson noted that he was unsure whether he heard gunfire or the sound of pepper balls.
The injured man was transported to a local hospital where he is reported to be in stable condition. The officers involved in the incident have been placed on critical incident leave as the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension takes charge of the investigation. Additional police agencies assisted with the incident, highlighting the collaborative effort in managing such dangerous situations.
This shooting follows a series of law enforcement-related incidents in the region, including another confrontation this week in Albert Lea that resulted in a man’s death. The ongoing nature of such events raises concerns about public safety and mental health.
For those affected by domestic disturbances or those in emotional distress, resources are available. The National Domestic Violence Helpline can be reached at 1-800-799-SAFE, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness offers support through the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264, with trained counselors available 24/7.
Such incidents serve as a sobering reminder of the need for support resources for individuals in crisis, underscoring the importance of community mental health initiatives.