Police say man who died during encounter with Oakdale police shot himself
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Police say the man who died while authorities executed a search warrant in Oakdale on Thursday shot himself.
Inside the home, authorities say 53-year-old Mark Kuzel shot at officers, striking one in the right arm. Oakdale officer Joe Groppoli returned fire, but didn't hit Kuzel.
St. Paul Police Sgt. Mike Ernster said the officers retreated and Kuzel told them he did not want to go to jail.
"During this time officers heard a single gunshot. They went into the home, found Kuzel with a single gunshot to the head," Ernster said. "They rendered aid and requested medics. We eventually transported Kuzel to Regions Hospital where he later died."
Ernster said the injured officer was also taken to Regions with a non-life-threatening injury.
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