Officer fatally shoots man after alleged attack

A federal officer in Minneapolis shot a Venezuelan man this evening following an incident described by the Department of Homeland Security as an “ambush.” The officer was conducting a targeted traffic stop when the events unfolded.

The Incident

The incident began around 6:50 p.m. local time when the officer initiated a traffic stop. The man, who the Department of Homeland Security stated was in the country illegally, left the vehicle and crashed it into a parked car before fleeing on foot. During the pursuit, the man allegedly assaulted the officer.

Attack and Shooting

As the officer pursued the man, two individuals emerged from an apartment and reportedly attacked the officer with a snow shovel and a broom handle. The man then allegedly began attacking the officer with a shovel or broomstick. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the officer fired defensive shots, striking the man in the leg, fearing for his life and safety.

Aftermath

All three men involved—the man who was shot and the two individuals from the apartment—barricaded themselves inside the apartment. They were subsequently taken into custody. Both the man who was shot and the officer were transported to a hospital for treatment. Further details regarding the incident were not immediately released.