Suspect Fatally Shot by Stillwater Police After Opening Fire in Apartment
Submitted photo to MN CRIME shows a large police presence in Stillwater, Minn. after an officer-involved shooting.
Stillwater police confirm that a man is dead after exchanging gunfire with officers at an apartment building on Saturday afternoon.
Police say they were dispatched to an apartment building located at 2225 Orleans Street West just before 2:30 p.m. for multiple reports of gunshots being fired inside. Another report came in to dispatch from someone inside saying they’d been shot.
When police arrived, they located the male suspect in the parking lot. Stillwater police say the man was armed with a handgun and opened fire at officers.
Officers returned fire, striking the man multiple times. He was transported to Regions Hospital in Saint Paul but later died of his injuries.
Police say at least two squad cars were struck by the gunfire and the suspect had several extended magazines in his possession. There were no officers injured in the ordeal.
TWITTER: Our initial thread on the shooting
“This situation could have been much worse, if not for the response of our officers. Because our officers used force during this incident, we have asked the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to complete a thorough, independent investigation,” Stillwater Police Chief Brian Mueller said in a media release.
“This is a large-scale crime scene and I appreciate everyone's understanding as we navigate the investigation. I know there is some inconvenience, but I am confident the BCA will promptly and professionally complete their work,” Mueller said.
According to dispatch audio obtained by MN CRIME, one victim was shot in the knee and transported to Regions, while a third victim suffered cuts to the face but was not transported by ambulance. The suspect was reportedly a man in his twenties and suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including several to the torso.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is taking over investigation of the incident, which is standard procedure for use-of-force incidents in the state.
UPDATE: The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office on Wednesday, March 9 identified the deceased suspect as Okwan Rahmier Sims, 21, of Stillwater. Sims was pronounced deceased at Regions Hospital of multiple gunshot wounds. Video of the incident is being reviewed, the BCA said, and investigation is continuing.
BCA crime scene personnel recovered a handgun at the scene, several extended magazines and “dozens” of 9mm shell casings, the agency said.
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