By Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Minn.
ALBERT LEA, Minn. — On Sunday morning, Albert Lea police responded to a possible noise or weapons complaint at Shady Oaks apartment complex, located at 800 4th Ave. S.
According to ALPD, 21-year-old Devin Matthew Weiland ambushed an officer when they arrived, shooting multiple times, hitting the squad twice and the officer’s chest once. The officer was able to retreat, assess their injuries, and drive to the emergency room, where they were treated and released.
Police established perimeter and incident command, and ordered residents to shelter in place while SWAT, negotiators and a gas team were deployed.
At 10:48 a.m., Weiland, of Albert Lea, was taken into custody. The building was evacuated to process the crime scene.
According to the Albert Lea Tribune, some Shady Oaks residents had relocated to United Methodist Church for safety, and others remained in their apartments as police negotiated with the alleged shooter.
There were two other victims during the shooting. One 52-year-old man was transported to Mayo Clinic in Albert Lea, then flown to Rochester. Another 38-year-old man remains in Albert Lea’s clinic.
On Sunday afternoon, Gov. Tim Walz thanked the officers who kept Albert Lea residents safe from further harm.
“Our thoughts are with the Minnesotans who were hurt in the shooting in Albert Lea this morning,” he said in a press release.
“Thank you to the law enforcement officers, including both local teams and our State Patrol troopers and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension agents, who worked to keep Albert Lea residents safe from further harm. This situation could have been significantly worse, but the suspect is now in custody.
“We know that one Albert Lea police officer was injured today, and the First Lady and I wish them a quick recovery. Thank you for your bravery and service.”
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