5 Officers Shot in Princeton, Minnesota: Suspect at Large in Benton County
Shocking Shooting Incident Rocks Princeton, MN
In a shocking and unsettling incident that unfolded on a Thursday morning in Princeton, Minnesota’s Benton County, five officers found themselves in the line of fire. The suspect responsible for this alarming event remains at large, sending shockwaves through the community and law enforcement agencies alike.
The incident transpired near the intersection of 190th Avenue Northeast and Glendorado Road Northeast in Glendorado Township, a quiet area located just west of Princeton. According to the county sheriff’s office, five officers were shot in the course of the event. Thankfully, their injuries, though serious, are not considered life-threatening. Three of the wounded officers are currently receiving medical attention at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, while the remaining two have been transported to St. Cloud Hospital.
As of the latest reports, the suspect has not been apprehended and remains at the scene. In light of the ongoing situation, the public has been strongly advised to steer clear of the affected area for their own safety.
Notably, local news sources reported an intriguing development earlier in the day. Just before 11 a.m., WCCO’s Sky4 chopper observed an individual being carefully loaded into an armored vehicle before being whisked away to a nearby helicopter, possibly for medical treatment or further investigation.
The response to this harrowing incident has been swift and comprehensive. Law enforcement agencies from Benton and Sherburn counties, as well as Minnesota State Patrol squads, have converged on the scene. The presence of SWAT vehicles and at least one monitoring helicopter indicates the seriousness of the situation and the collective efforts to bring it under control.
Princeton is located about 60 miles northwest of Minneapolis, and the incident has sent shockwaves throughout the region. While details remain limited, it is evident that this is a developing story that is sure to be closely monitored and investigated.
In the broader context of officer-involved shootings, it is a sobering reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face in the line of duty. The Officer Down Memorial Page has reported one officer killed by gunfire in Minnesota so far in 2023. In April, Pope County Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua Owen was killed in a shootout, while another deputy and a Starbuck police officer were also shot but survived.
Neighboring Wisconsin has not been spared from such tragic events, with four officers killed by gunfire this year. In February, Police Officer Peter Jerving was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a robbery suspect in the Milwaukee metro area. In April, Hunter Scheel of Cameron and Emily Breidenbach of Chetek were killed in a shootout after serving a warrant at a traffic stop, and Deputy Kaitie Leising lost her life while responding to a call about a potential drunk driver in a ditch in May. Across the border in Fargo, North Dakota, 37-year-old Mohamad Barakat shot and killed Fargo Police Officer Jake Wallin and wounded officers Andrew Dotas and Tyler Hawes as they responded to a routine traffic crash on July 14.
As this unfortunate incident continues to unfold, our thoughts and prayers go out to the wounded officers and their families. Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect their communities, and it is vital that we support them during these trying times.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
