Man, 21, in custody after Albert Lea police officer shot in the chest
An active shooter situation prompted a shelter-in-place Sunday morning in Albert Lea after a police officer was shot in the chest.
At 2:18 a.m., an officer responded to a report of a noise complaint about possible fireworks or gunshots heard on the 800 block of 4th Ave. S. The responding officer arrived at the scene and was "ambushed," according to police, and the 30-year-old was shot in the chest while at least two other bullets struck the squad vehicle.
"The officer was able to tactically relocate to a safe zone, assess possible injuries, and drive directly to the ER," Albert Lea police said in a release.
The officer, whose identity has not been provided, was treated and released from the hospital.
The police press release says two other men, ages 38 and 52, were transported to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea, with the 52-year-old then being airlifted to a hospital in Rochester. Their conditions are unknown.
The alleged shooter, a 21-year-old Albert Lea man, was taken into custody at 10:48 a.m. and the apartment building was evacuated to allow police to better process the scene.
The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is leading the investigation.
Gov. Tim Walz issued the following statement following the incident:
“Our thoughts are with the Minnesotans who were hurt in the shooting in Albert Lea this morning.”
“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.”
