Deputy Fatally Shoots Armed, Suicidal Man In Lake Elmo: Report

LAKE ELMO, MN — Authorities say a 23-year-old armed man was fatally shot by law enforcement Thursday after making threats of suicide. On April 12 just after midnight, the Washington County Sheriff's Office received a report of a "suicidal male."

Deputies found the 23-year-old man armed with a handgun in Lake Elmo near Lake Elmo Avenue and 34th Street North. Authorities began to talk with him in an attempt to deescalate the situation.

During the encounter, deputies used "less lethal" ammunition. Later, one deputy shot the man. He was transported to Regions Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office has called in the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to handle the investigation. Authorities are still evaluating whether the shooting was captured on body cam or squad dash cam.

"Last night was another very tough night for us and our public safety partners," Lakeview Health Emergency Medical Services said in a statement.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call (612) 379-6363 to reach Crisis Connection. You also can text "MN" to 741741 to connect with a trained counselor. Calls and texts are free and confidential.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Oakdale Police Department, the Woodbury Public Safety Department, the Minnesota State Patrol, the Lake Elmo Fire Department and Lakeview Ambulance.

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