Burnsville, Minnesota – The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has released new details about the tragic shooting that took place on February 18 in Burnsville, where two police officers and a firefighter/paramedic lost their lives.

According to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner, officers Matthew Ruge and Paul Elmstrand, as well as firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth, died from gunshot wounds inflicted by 38-year-old Shannon Gooden of Burnsville. The medical examiner also determined that Gooden died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

During the incident, three Burnsville police officers discharged their firearms – Adam Medlicott with 14 years of law enforcement experience, Officer Javier Jimenez, and Officer Daniel Wical, both with eight years of law enforcement experience.

The tragedy unfolded when officers responded to a domestic incident at a home in Burnsville just before 2:00 a.m. Gooden, who claimed to be unarmed with children inside, refused to leave the home.

After negotiating with Gooden for approximately three and a half hours, he suddenly opened fire on the officers inside the home. The officers returned fire, resulting in casualties on both sides. The standoff ended with Gooden taking his own life.

The BCA revealed that Gooden fired more than 100 rifle rounds at law enforcement and first responders during the incident. There is body camera and squad car camera video of the incident, which the BCA is reviewing as part of the active investigation.

The Burnsville Police Department has requested the BCA to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident, including the events leading up to the 911 call and the officers’ use of force. Upon completion of the investigation, the BCA will present its findings to the Dakota County Attorney’s Office for review.

The recovery of firearms and ammunition at the scene, as well as the review of available video footage, are crucial components of the ongoing investigation into this heartbreaking event that shook the community of Burnsville.