Hennepin County sheriff’s deputy shot in Minnetonka

While events are still unfolding, it has been reported that a Hennepin County deputy was shot and another deputy injured shortly before noon today in the 13000 block of Crestwood Drive in Minnetonka, while attempting to serve an arrest warrant. Their conditions are not known but informal reports indicate their injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

It is also believed that at least one suspect was killed in the exchange of gunfire with the deputies, and that he died in the front yard of the residence. Some reports indicate he was wearing body armor.

Kare 11 ran a live report, and the reporter said that a neighbor told him she heard a barrage of about 10 gunshots, followed by about 20 gunshots.

A 4 p.m. press conference by the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office clarified that only one of the deputies was shot, and the other injured related to the shooting incident. This corrected initial reports suggesting both deputies had been shot. Such inaccuracies are common in the initial moments of these events, and speaks to the importance of allowing for a thorough investigation before drawing conclusions in police use of force cases.

One of the duties Hennepin County deputies are tasked with is the service of arrest warrants, and they carry out the task daily. There are literally thousands of outstanding arrest warrants in Hennepin County, and the fact that so many criminals fail to appear in court requires deputies, and other peace officers, to arrest them and compel their appearance as ordered. 

The process of effecting an arrest warrant has progressed over the years. While officer safety is paramount, the ugly truth is there is no way to eliminate the danger involved with having to go to someone’s home to arrest them.

We should never lose sight of the almost impossible job we ask of our peace officers. The majority of the time their talent and their training help them do the impossible without us ever hearing about it. Then days like today happen. Lately days like today have been happening too frequently.

It’s time for our political leadership to acknowledge the dangers they created in recent years by turning their backs on the law enforcement profession while trying to gain favor from progressive, “social justice” activists. It’s time they come out in support of our law enforcement officers boldly and unequivocally — in good times and in challenging times.

The days of being cute about when and where to support our cops are over.