1 person dead, police officer injured in exchange of gunfire in Richfield
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Richfield police say one person is dead and a police officer injured after an exchange of gunfire early Wednesday.
It happened just before 3:30 a.m. in a neighborhood near West 76th Street and Penn Avenue.
According to an initial account from Richfield police:
A resident on the 7500 block of Morgan Avenue called police to report someone trying to break into or rifle through vehicles. Responding officers located a possible suspect in the area.
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“The suspect fled from officers and a foot pursuit ensued,” Richfield police reported in a news release early Wednesday. “The suspect subsequently brandished a firearm and gunfire was exchanged. The suspect and an officer were both shot.”
The person being pursued by police died at the scene. The officer suffered a gunshot wound to a hand, and was taken to a hospital.
The names of those involved have not been released.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is handling the investigation. The agency confirmed that agents were responding to the scene Wednesday morning.
Law enforcement officials remained at the scene, not far from Richfield Middle School and the Best Buy corporate headquarters, several hours after the shooting. Crime scene tape blocked off parking areas near several small apartment buildings as of 7:20 a.m.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty issued a statement saying her office was in contact with the BCA “and will evaluate the case when their investigation is complete.”
“We’re grateful the injured officer is being treated and is expected to be released. We also want to send our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased individual. This is a tragic and traumatic situation for all involved,” Moriarty said.
Richfield Mayor Mary Supple issued a statement saying that “we understand that the Richfield police officer who was shot is being treated for injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. We extend wishes for his healing and recovery. My condolences to the family of the deceased individual. These tragedies impact our entire community; please be kind to your neighbors and make sure those around you are doing OK.”
