Man dies after shootout with law enforcement in Coon Rapids

Updated: 9:22 a.m. | Posted: 6:41 a.m.

Authorities in Anoka County say a man was fatally shot during a confrontation with police in Coon Rapids.

Police chief Brad Wise said one of his officers pulled over a car on Foley Boulevard at 99th Avenue, near Highway 10 about 1:30 AM Thursday on what Wise described as a routine traffic stop. "An adult male stepped out of the car and a brief physical confrontation ensued," he said.

Wise said the man fled on foot and fired a handgun at officers, who fired back.

Police set up a perimeter and officers from multiple jurisdictions, including Fridley and Blaine, searched for the man. "Approximately 30 minutes later, with the assistance of a police K9, the suspect was found nearby hiding in a backyard, where gunshots again were exchanged," Wise said. No officers were struck by gunfire in the incident.

At least one Coon Rapids officer fired at the suspect, as well as a deputy from the sheriff's office, Wise said. The man died at the scene. Police said there was a passenger in the car at the time of the stop. That person is considered a witness to the initial events in the incident.

"Sadly, the suspect chose actions that dictated this outcome," said Anoka County Sheriff James Stuart. He said a handgun was recovered at the scene. "While this is not the outcome we would want, we expect our law enforcement officers to protect the public and themselves."

He said there were no additional suspects at large. The man has not been identified. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating.