A man armed with guns and large amounts of ammunition shot at police officers from the upper and lower levels of a home in the Minneapolis suburb of Burnsville on Sunday, killing two officers and a firefighter. A third officer was wounded. The suspect died. Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said the firefighter and paramedic who was killed was providing aid to an injured officer when he was shot. Evans said the paramedic was a part of a SWAT team. The shootings occurred after officers responded to a call involving an armed man who had barricaded himself inside with family, including seven children. The family was able to leave the home safely.
Officials said the incident started as a report of a domestic situation. “After arriving, the situation escalated into gunfire with responders,” the city said, adding that the officers and first responder “were killed by the gunman during the response.” The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association said negotiations with the suspect went on for four hours before a SWAT team entered the home. Officials identified the slain officers as Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, both 27. Adam Finseth, 40, a firefighter and paramedic, also was killed. Police scanner recordings on Broadcastify.com capture a rattled man saying, “I need any ambulance,” as he struggled to catch his breath. Burnsville, a city of 64,000, is located about 15 miles south of downtown Minneapolis.