UPDATED: Two Officers and a Medic Were Killed After Shots Were Exchanged With Law Enforcement Sunday Morning
Updated at 8:45 AM on February 20, 2024.
Updated at 12:45 PM on February 19, 2024.
Updated at 7:30 PM on February 18, 2024.
BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA - Beginning early this morning, officers with the Burnsville Police Department were responding to a home near Sable Drive/33rd Avenue in Burnsville, Minnesota, for a domestic situation on Sunday, February 18, 2024. A few hours later, several shots were fired at the police from someone in the home, and at least three officers were injured.
According to a press release from the City of Burnsville, around 1:50 AM, officers with the Burnsville Police Department were called to a home in the 12600 block of 33rd Avenue South in Burnsville, Minnesota, for the report of a domestic situation. According to the report, a man was reported to be armed and barricaded himself in his home with family members. We can now confirm the family members included seven children of various ages.
At around 5:25 AM, several gunshots were exchanged between police and the man in the home. Residents in the area also reported hearing several explosions during this time. These explosions were likely tied to smoke and flash bangs from law enforcement. This shoot-out with police prompted law enforcement to issue a shelter-in-place for surrounding residents and to take cover in their basements. The overall shootout, per residences in the area, seemed to have lasted around 15-20 minutes. Two Burnsville Police Officers and one Burnsville Fire Fighter/Paramedic were killed in the gunfire. The names of those victims include Officer Paul Elmstrand, Officer Matthew Ruge, and Fire Fighter/Paramedic Adam Finseth. A third officer was injured in the gunfire but is said to have non-life-threatening injuries. His name is Sergent Adam Medlicott.
At 7 AM on Sunday, February 18th, a significant police presence could still be seen at the Terrace Oaks East Playground, where a command post was set up by law enforcement, as the active police situation continued. Law enforcement agencies from across the Twin Cities were at the scene and aiding in the situation, including South St Paul, Minnesota State Police, Eagan Police, Hennepin County and Scott County Sheriffs, Bloomington Police, and several others. SWAT Teams several area bearcats/SWAT vehicles at the scene.
According to the press release from the City of Burnsville, the suspect was reported dead around 8 AM. After being shot in the leg earlier, the suspect reportedly committed suicide per scanner traffic. Everyone in the home was allegedly able to exit the house safely. One child reportedly received a minor cut on the arm. After an extensive search of the home, it was cleared at around 10:30 AM. Police began to clear the scene shortly after the house was ordered cleared, and the shelter-in-place had also been lifted.
Crime scene investigators and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) have taken over the scene and are investigating the incident. The Minnesota BCA identified the suspect as 38-year-old Shannon Gooden of Burnsville, Minnesota. The official cause and manner of his death will be released at a later date, according to the Minnesota BCA.
Remembering the Fallen
According to the press release from the City of Burnsville, Officer Paul Elmstrand, 27, joined the Burnsville Police Department in August 2017 as a Community Service Officer. He was promoted to Officer in July 2019. He was part of the department’s mobile command staff, peer team, Honor Guard, and field training unit.
Officer Matthew Ruge, 27, joined the Burnsville Police Department in April 2020. He was part of the department’s crisis negotiations team and was a physical evidence officer.
Fire Fighter/Paramedic Adam Finseth, 40, has been a Burnsville Firefighter/Paramedic since February 2019. He was reportedly killed while trying to save a fellow officer who was hit by gunfire.
Public Notice from the City of Burnsville
2/18/2024; 7:33 p.m. - "Unfortunately, some people are taking advantage of our tragedy in Burnsville. Be aware of scams. Links to official donation sites and information on how to help the families involved will be posted at BurnsvilleMN.gov/communityupdates when they are available later this week."
If you would like to support the families, you can find the verified and official way here: Supporting the Families of Our Fallen Heroes
