Burnsville police officers, firefighter-paramedic killed: What we know so far

BURNSVILLE, Minn. (FOX 9) - Several police officers were shot, and two officers and one firefighter-paramedic were killed, while responding to a domestic call in Burnsville, Minnesota early Sunday morning, Feb. 18.

Officers were responding to a domestic situation when things escalated. The suspect, Shannon Gooden, opened fire, killing Officer Paul Elmstrand, Officer Matthew Ruge and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth, and injuring Police Sgt. Adam Medlicott. 

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is investigating the incident. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety will support authorities with the investigation, Governor Tim Walz said.  The governor ordered flags to be half-staff starting at sunrise Monday. 

Here's what we know so far. 

What happened? 

According to law enforcement, authorities responded to a home on the 12600 block of 33rd Avenue South at 1:50 a.m. Sunday on a report of a domestic situation. A man was reported to be armed and was barricaded with his family members, which included seven children ages 2 to 15 years old. 

Ultimately, the situation "escalated," the City of Burnsville said in a press release. The suspect opened fire on the officers and Elmstrand, Ruge and Finseth were killed, and Medlicott was injured by the gunman during their response.  

At about 8 a.m., the suspect was reported to be dead, and the family members that were in the home are now safe. 

According to authorities, several officers returned fire at the suspect. The suspect had multiple weapons in the home and shot at police from multiple positions in the home. The exact timing of what occurred is currently under investigation. 

Authorities say there is no ongoing threat. 

Search warrant reveals more details about fatal incident

A search warrant made public on Wednesday, Feb. 21, sheds some light on the shooting.

The search warrant filed in Ramsey County reveals why police were called to the home, as well as some other details. According to the document, police responded to 12605 33rd Ave. at 1:50 a.m. on Feb. 18, on a report of a sexual assault allegation. Police "contacted" the person who reported the allegation and Gooden, when Gooden "retreated into a bedroom and barricaded himself."

"Officers negotiated for Gooden to surrender, but he did not cooperate," the warrant states.

"Sometime later, Gooden opened fire at officers with what is believed to be multiple different firearms," killing Elmstrand, Ruge and Finseth. Police returned fire at Gooden, who retreated into a bedroom. 

Special Weapons and Tactics Officers then responded to the scene, and used a drone to locate Gooden dead in the bedroom. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner has since said Gooden died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. 

READ MORE: Burnsville police officers, firefighter-paramedic killed

There were seven children in the home at the time of the shooting, but they were not hurt. The biological mother of three of the children was Gooden's ex-girlfriend, identified as Noemi Torres. Torres admitted to investigators that either during or after the shooting, she was in communication with Gooden's girlfriend at the time of the shooting. Gooden's girlfriend told Torres about the incident via text message, the warrant says.

Investigators booked Torres' cell phone into evidence. The goal of taking the phone into evidence is to see communication between Gooden and Torres, with the search warrant stating it could contain information to help investigators understand Gooden's mindset.

911 call transcript

The 911 call came in at 1:50 a.m. on Feb. 18, with the caller saying, "Can I have the police at my house right now please?" and then sharing their address as 12605 33rd Ave. S in Burnsville. The caller then states, "Um, my husband is [redacted] Help me," followed by an expletive and screaming before the call ended. 

Here's the transcript of that call:

• Dispatch: Police and Fire. What's the address of your emergency?
• Caller: Hi, can I have the police at my house right now please?
• Dispatch: Yep, what's the address?
• Caller: 12605 33rd Ave. S, Burnsville.
• Dispatch: Okay, what's going on there?
• Caller: Um, my husband is [redacted] Help me. Shut the f--- up. (screaming)
• Dispatch: Hello?

READ MORE: Burnsville police officers, firefighter-paramedic killed

Dispatch attempted to call back three times, but received the voicemail. Dispatch called back a fourth time, at 1:54 a.m. Here's how the call went: 

• Caller: No
• Dispatch: Police and Fire. How can I help you?
• Caller: You're calling….

Dispatch then called back again:

• Caller: (Unintelligible)
• Dispatch: Police and Fire, stay on the phone. What's going on there?

Dispatch attempted to call one more time, but it went to voicemail.

Who were the police officers, firefighter-paramedic killed?

Authorities identified the victims that were killed as police officers Paul Elmstrand, Matthew Ruge and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth. A third police officer, Sgt. Adam Medlicott, was injured by the gunfire. He has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home, the City of Burnsville said in an update Monday. 

Officer Elmstrand, 27, joined the Burnsville Police Department back in August 2017 as a community service officer and was then promoted to a full officer in 2019. He is a member of the department's mobile command staff, peer team, Honor Guard, and field training unit. Elmstrand graduated in 2018 from the University of Northwestern. According to a post from the university's alumni office, Elmstrand is survived by his wife, a 2-year-old daughter and a 5-month-old son. 

Elmstrand's wife released the following statement about her husband: "Our family is heartbroken at Paul’s death. He was an amazing husband, father, son, and friend to many. He loved to laugh and loved to play. He was the most generous, loving, patient person I've ever known with the biggest smile. He would stay awake so others could sleep. He could make anyone in a room feel welcome. He wore the same pair of pants and the most basic clothes so that he could spoil me and our children. He had a servant’s heart and would drop everything to help someone who was in need, whether it be family, friend or someone on the street. He loved his job as a police officer and had a strong bond with those he worked with, but he always placed his family first. He had an inner-confidence that was anchored in his faith in Jesus Christ."

Officer Ruge, 27, joined the Burnsville Police Department in April 2020. He was part of the department's crisis negotiations team and a physical evidence officer. 

Firefighter-paramedic Finseth joined the Burnsville Fire Department in February 2019. He was a SWAT team paramedic, and served as a water rescue trainer. Finseth also was part of Burnsville's Health & Wellness Committee. He served in Savage and Hastings before he came to Burnsville. Finseth was remembered by Savage firefighters in a message Sunday that read: "He was more than just a colleague; he was a family member of the Savage Fire team. His legacy is etched in the memories of those who served alongside him and characterized by his calm demeanor and unwavering support for his fellow team members. Adam’s impact on our department and community will be remembered, and his selfless service inspires us all."

Sgt. Medlicott, 38, was named Burnsville's Officer of the Year in 2020. He also received the Meritorious Service Award in 2021. He joined the Burnsville Police Department in 2014. Medlicott is was promoted to Sergeant in September 2022. He also supervises community service officers and is a drug recognition expert. 

First responders died within minutes of each other

Medical examiner's reports show all three first responders died from gunshot wounds.

All three were rushed to Hennepin County Medical Center, where they were pronounced dead within 13 minutes of each other.

Who is the suspect?

Authorities have identified the man who opened fire Sunday morning in Burnsville as 38-year-old Shannon Gooden.

Court records show Gooden had a criminal history including a 2007 felony assault case, which precluded him from owning weapons.

In 2020, Gooden sued in an attempt to restore his gun rights but was unsuccessful. It's unclear how Gooden was able to obtain the multiple weapons he had at his rental home in Burnsville.

Gooden's medical examiner report

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office released the report about Gooden early on Feb. 20. 

According to official documents, 38-year-old Gooden suffered a gunshot wound to the head, and his manner of death was listed as a suicide. The incident took place at a home on the 12600 block of 33rd Avenue South in Burnsville. 

The medical examiner did not list a time of death in the report but said Gooden died on Feb. 18, the day of the shooting. 

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is listed as the investigating agency. 

How can I give support to the families of the victims?

The City of Burnsville also shared links to official donation sites for the victims here. The city did warn of some scam donation sites for the victims, so beware. 

"Unfortunately, some people are taking advantage of our tragedy in Burnsville. Be aware of scams. Links to official donation sites and information on how to help the families involved will be posted at BurnsvilleMN.gov/communityupdates when they are available later this week," The City of Burnsville said in a statement. 

How are lawmakers and law enforcement reacting? 

Gov. Walz ordered flags to fly at half-staff starting Monday morning to honor Elmstrand, Ruge and Finseth.

"We must never take for granted the bravery and sacrifices our first responders make each and every day," said Gov. Walz. "It is with deepest gratitude that the State of Minnesota recognizes Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, and Firefighter Adam Finseth for their dedicated service to, and sacrifice for, their fellow Minnesotans. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, and community."

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar said in a statement on social media, "Learned from police this morning that three officers have been shot in Burnsville. They were doing their jobs. They were protecting our community. John and I are praying for them and their families and the Burnsville P.D. this morning."

The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association Executive Director Brian Peters said: "We are heartbroken. Our law enforcement community is heartbroken. We’re just devastated at the horrific loss. These heroes leave behind loved ones and a community who will forever remember their bravery and dedication to keeping Minnesotans safe."

Minneapolis police chief Brian O'Hara said on social media, "Please keep Burnsville Police Dept in your prayers this morning."

To see more reactions and statements from lawmakers and law enforcement, click here. 

How is the community reacting? 

A man who lives in the area told FOX 9 he woke up to a lot of commotion and loud bangs around 5:30 a.m. and then heard a lot of gunshots. He went to the window, where he saw a lot of police vehicles and police officers in the area. He described this situation as "really scary," noting he's thankful his children weren't home this weekend. 

Another neighbor told FOX 9's Karen Scullin he watched police approach the house in formation when the barricaded man fired with what he says was a high-powered rifle from a second-story window. The neighbor said it was incredibly loud. He and his neighbors grabbed their guns because they didn't know what was happening. 

A vigil was held Sunday night to remember the victims. 

This is a developing story, check back for updates.