MINNEAPOLIS, MN – A tragic predawn standoff in a Burnsville neighborhood resulted in the deaths of two officers and a paramedic after Shannon Cortez Gooden opened fire on police and first responders without warning. State investigators shared that this violent incident left the community in mourning and raised concerns about the safety of law enforcement personnel in the line of duty.
The devastating sequence of events unfolded at Gooden’s home on S. 33rd Avenue, where officers responded to reports of a sexual assault just before 2 a.m. Gooden, who had initially claimed to be unarmed with children inside the residence, engaged in a tense 3 1/2-hour negotiation with the authorities before abruptly opening fire on the officers present.
In the chaos that ensued, officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, as well as firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth, tragically lost their lives. Despite the heroic efforts of the injured Sgt. Adam Medlicott and his fellow officers, Gooden’s relentless barrage of gunfire proved fatal, leaving a community grieving the loss of three dedicated public servants.
The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension detailed the harrowing account of the standoff, where officers found themselves in a perilous situation as Gooden unleashed over 100 rounds of ammunition on them and first responders. The violence escalated until Gooden ultimately took his own life, bringing an end to the terrifying ordeal that shook the quiet neighborhood to its core.
As investigators sift through the evidence collected at the scene, including multiple firearms and expended cartridge casings, the community grapples with the implications of this senseless tragedy. The body-worn and squad camera footage provides crucial insights into the events that transpired, shedding light on the heroic efforts of those who risked their lives to protect others.
Once the investigation reaches its conclusion, the findings will be handed over to the Dakota County Attorney’s Office for further review, potentially shedding light on the circumstances that led to this devastating loss of life. The community stands united in grief, honoring the memory of the fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.