In St. Paul, Minnesota, a fatal police standoff unfolded after a 911 call ended with the sounds of a caller pleading “Help me” followed by screams. The dispatcher made three subsequent attempts to reconnect, but to no avail, a 911 transcript reveals.
Two law enforcement officers and a firefighter-paramedic lost their lives responding to the early Sunday call in Burnsville, a suburb of Minneapolis. The perpetrator took his own life; before his death, children were safely removed from the scene. Newly released search warrants and 911 transcripts disclosed further information surrounding the event.
The 911 transcript records that the emergency call was placed at 1:50 a.m. Sunday, with the caller urgently requesting police presence. While speaking, the caller was cut off following an expletive and screams, and then the call suddenly ended. Even with multiple call-back attempts by the dispatcher, contact was not re-established.
Burnsville police and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension have yet to comment publicly beyond the initial briefings. Search warrant affidavits pointed to a “sexual assault allegation” being the reason behind the initial call, although specifics were omitted.
The casualties were identified as Police Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, both aged 27, and 40-year-old Adam Finseth, a firefighter and paramedic who also served on the city’s SWAT team. Another officer, Sgt. Adam Medlicott, was injured but is recuperating at home.
Authorities arrived and communicated with both the caller and suspect, Shannon Gooden, who was 38. Gooden then barricaded himself in a bedroom, firing at authorities and resulting in fatal injuries to the first responders. Negotiations were ineffective, and later Gooden was discovered deceased with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The investigation extends to Gooden’s ex-girlfriend, who was in contact with him during the standoff and had custody disputes with Gooden over their children. The children present during the incident ranged from 2 to 15 years old and were unharmed.
Further details surrounding the weapons Gooden possessed have not been clarified, despite his criminal record barring him from gun ownership. Questions linger about the circumstances leading to the fatal confrontation, and a public memorial service for the departed first responders is scheduled.
FAQs about the Tragic Standoff in Minnesota
- Q: Who were the first responders who died in the Minnesota standoff?
A: The fallen first responders were Burnsville Police Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth.
- Q: What led to the standoff in Minnesota?
A: The standoff initiated after a 911 emergency call where the caller requested help and screaming was heard before the line was cut.
- Q: Was the suspect legally allowed to have firearms?
A: According to court records, the suspect, identified as Shannon Gooden, was not legally permitted to possess firearms due to his criminal history.
- Q: Were the children inside the home during the shooting harmed?
A: No, seven children were inside the home but were safely escorted out and remained unharmed.
Conclusion
The incident in Burnsville, Minnesota, demonstrates the unpredictable and perilous nature of law enforcement and first responder duties. The tragic events following the harrowing 911 call paint a sobering picture of the potential dangers they face. Officer Paul Elmstrand, Officer Matthew Ruge, and Firefighter-Paramedic Adam Finseth will be remembered for their service and sacrifice as the community prepares to honor them. As the investigation continues, further light will be shed on this incident, which has left indelible marks on the lives of many.