A suspect is now in custody following a shooting incident that left five law enforcement officers injured in Glendorado Township on Thursday morning. The officers were carrying out a search warrant at a residence in Benton County when the incident occurred. All five injured officers are part of the Sherburne County Drug Task Force, with three hailing from the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office, one from the Princeton Police Department, and another from the Elk River Police Department. Thankfully, all five officers are expected to recover from their injuries.
The identities of the officers have been kept confidential due to the undercover nature of their work. Following the incident, they were transported to North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale and a St. Cloud hospital for medical attention. Three of the officers, who were shot in their bulletproof vests, have been discharged after receiving necessary medical care. The other two officers are still receiving treatment.
The suspect, 64-year-old Karl Thomas Holmberg, was taken into custody around 10:47 a.m. The nature of Holmberg’s injuries remains unclear, but he was also taken to a hospital for treatment. A woman who was at the residence during the incident was also transported to a hospital for evaluation and was subsequently released.
Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck expressed his relief that no lives were lost in the incident and praised the courage and professionalism of the law enforcement officers involved. The task force had been executing the warrant at a home on 190th Avenue Northeast near Glendorado Road when they were fired upon. The officers returned fire and retreated to safety.
Special Agent Michelle Frascone assured the community that they are working tirelessly to provide answers and are reviewing footage from body-worn and squad cameras for potential evidence. As the investigation continues, the law enforcement community has come together, with multiple agencies responding to the scene. Sheriff Heck requested that the public keep all the officers, their families, and the involved agencies in their thoughts and prayers.
The incident has left the community in shock, but authorities are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice is served.