By Sarah Roebuck
Police1
BURNSVILLE, Minn. — Dispatch audio reveals a violent scene that unfolded as an armed man shot at first responders from multiple levels of his house, killing two police officers and one firefighter/paramedic, KARE reports.
During the early morning hours on Feb. 18, officers with the Burnsville Police Department responded to a domestic call regarding an armed man who had barricaded himself inside with family, including seven children, police said.
The sound of gunfire can be heard in dispatch audio obtained by KARE.
“Heavy gunfire, heavy gunfire from the front.”
Soon after that radio call, the report of officers down comes through.
“Two down, officer down. Two down, officer down.”
During the negotiation process, officers reported that the suspect, who was identified as Shannon Cortez Gooden, initiated gunfire using a rifle.
“We’re getting rifle fire from the house. Anybody got eyes on?”
Realizing they needed more cover, officers on the scene called for more armor.
“We need more armor. Do we have a fire truck? We need a firetruck or something parked out in front of this house, we’re all pinned down.”
Three officers were hit by gunfire. Burnsville city officials identified the slain officers as Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, both 27. Adam Finseth, 40, a firefighter and paramedic, also was killed. The third police officer, Sgt. Adam Medlicott, was injured and being treated at a hospital with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries, the city said.
Finseth was providing aid to an injured officer when he was fatally shot, police said. Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said during a news conference that Finseth was a part of a SWAT team that had been called to the scene.
Evans reported that negotiations went on for several hours prior to Gooden initiating gunfire. According to the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, the standoff persisted for four hours until a SWAT team made entry into the residence.
Evans noted that Gooden fired at the officers from various locations within the house, spanning both upper and lower levels. At least one officer was struck by gunfire inside the house. A SWAT armored vehicle was also hit, resulting in bullet damage to its windshield.
A medical examiner on Tuesday said Gooden died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, the Associated Press reports.
The children who were inside the home during the incident were able to leave safely.