Murder investigation leads to officer-involved shooting in Edina
EDINA, Minn. (KMSP) - An officer-involved shooting in Edina stemmed from a homicide in Prior Lake early Wednesday morning.
In a press conference, Prior Lake police said they were investigating a shooting in a home on tribal property belonging to the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux community that led to a police chase that ended in Edina.
Authorities tell Fox 9 James Herron, a relative of one of the community's founders, was killed in the shooting at the home in Prior Lake.
Family members of James Herron declined to go on camera, but told Fox 9 he struggled with drugs much of his life.
Herron grew up in Ham Lake and was a registered member of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux community. His family says the money he received as part of his tribal membership helped fuel a lifestyle that was often unhealthy.
TIMELINE
2:11 a.m. Prior Lake police officers respond to a call of a shooting on the 2100 block of Sioux Trail where they find a victim with multiple gunshot wounds. A vehicle fled with three suspects inside. The victim was taken to St. Francis Hospital where he died from his injuries. The victim has been identified as James Herron.
2:45 a.m. the chase entered Hennepin County and officers from Eden Prairie joined the pursuit. The vehicle with suspects became disabled near the intersection of Highway 169 and Londonderry Road in Edina.
Two of the three suspects fled, and one of them fired a weapon resulting in two Eden Prairie police officers to fire back, striking the suspect.
Hennepin County Sheriff, Rich Stanek, said the suspect was taken to the hospital and did not say his condition.
The two Eden Prairie police officers were not injured.
Authorities believe all suspects are in custody.
The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office is investigating the officer-involved shooting at the request of the Eden Prairie Police Department.
The homicide is being investigated by the Prior Lake Police Department.
STATEMENTS
From the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
Today is a sad day for our Community. Family members are being notified, and we are assuring our members that this incident was isolated and there is no threat to the safety of others. As we mourn the loss of one of our members, we are thankful to the Prior Lake Police Department and other law enforcement and emergency response personnel who are assisting during this tragedy.
From Eden Prairie Police Chief James DeMann
The Eden Prairie Police officers involved in this incident are doing as well as can be expected. Across this nation, law enforcement officers start their shift not knowing what that shift is going to bring. I am extremely proud of these officers – the training they go through helps them prepare for something like this – they took action to keep themselves and the community safe.