A man died and a sheriff’s deputy was hospitalized after an exchange of gunfire during an incident near Walker, Minnesota, on Sunday afternoon. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office said the situation began around 4:30 p.m. when dispatchers received a report of gunshots in the area of Old Agency Drive and Onigum Road in Turtle Lake Township. Deputies were sent to the scene to investigate the call and determine what had happened.
When the deputies arrived, they began looking around the neighborhood where the gunshots had reportedly been heard. While checking the area, officers approached a man who was walking along Onigum Road. The deputies attempted to make contact with him, but instead of stopping, the man ran. Deputies chased after him, and during that pursuit, gunfire was exchanged between the man and law enforcement.
In the course of the shooting, one of the deputies was struck. Emergency responders quickly arranged for the injured deputy to be airlifted by helicopter to a hospital in Fargo, North Dakota. As of now, officials have not released any updated information on the deputy’s condition. The focus remains on ensuring the deputy receives the necessary medical care while investigators work to understand exactly how the situation unfolded.
The man who ran from deputies and exchanged gunfire with them was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released his identity, and details about what led to the initial reports of gunfire have not been disclosed. Investigators will rely on witness interviews, evidence from the scene, and officer reports to piece together a full picture of the incident.
According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, all deputies who were directly involved in the shooting have been placed on leave—a standard procedure in officer-involved incidents. Body-worn cameras and other recording devices used by the deputies will play a key role in the investigation, as they often provide important visual and audio information for reviewing agencies.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is now leading the investigation. The BCA typically steps in to ensure an independent review when a shooting involves law enforcement officers. Their job is to collect evidence, interview everyone involved, and determine how and why the events took place. Once the investigation is complete, the findings will be turned over to the appropriate authorities who will decide whether any further action is needed.
Incidents like this often take time to investigate thoroughly. The BCA will likely release more information as it becomes available, but for now, many details remain unknown, including the deputy’s medical status and the circumstances that caused the initial gunfire report. The community in and around Walker will be watching closely as officials work to bring clarity to a situation that escalated suddenly and tragically.
For now, authorities are urging the public to be patient as they continue gathering information. The Sheriff’s Office and the BCA have both emphasized the importance of allowing the investigative process to move forward carefully and professionally. As more facts are confirmed, updates will be provided to the public. This is still a developing story, and more information is expected in the coming days.
