Northfield Hotel Evacuated In 'Potentially Dangerous Incident'

NORTHFIELD, MN — The Northfield Police Department is releasing information about a "potentially dangerous incident" they say occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 15. At about 12:36 a.m., Northfield Officers were informed of a possible suicidal male, in possession of multiple handguns and threatening to take his own life.

Officers determined the subject was staying at America’s Best Value Inn on Riverview Dr. The concerned caller reported hearing two gunshots while on the phone with the subject and then contact was lost.

Northfield Officers arrived on scene, immediately secured the building and, with the assistance of Rice County Sheriff’s Deputies and Minnesota State Patrol Troopers, evacuated guests to a safe location. Officers made numerous attempts to contact the male subject.

Northfield Police requested the assistance of the Dakota/Rice MAAG Team. This is standard procedure for a barricaded and possibly armed subject. Officers on scene continued to try to make contact with the subject while waiting for the MAAG Team to respond.

At about 2:20a.m., MAAG Team Officers made entry through a ground floor window, and the subject was taken into custody without further incident. Officers recovered a loaded handgun the subject had in his possession, according to authorities.

The male subject was treated at the scene for minor injuries, by Northfield Hospital EMS and he was then transported by Northfield Police to the Northfield Hospital Emergency Room for evaluation. The subject was released later, according to a news release.

Investigation by the Northfield Police Department continues.

The Northfield Police Department thanked the Rice County Sheriff’s Department, Minnesota State Patrol and responding Officers with the Dakota/Rice MAAG Team for their assistance in bringing this potentially dangerous incident to a safe end for all involved.

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