BCA-Officer Wounded in Benton County Shootout Still Hospitalized

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Foley, MN (KROC-AM News) - One of the five officers wounded during a shootout with a drug suspect in central Minnesota last week remains hospitalized in stable condition.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension included that information in an update released this afternoon concerning the ongoing investigation into the exchange of fire at a home in Benton County near Princeton on the morning of October 12th. The BCA identified two of the three law enforcement officers who used force during the incident. One is an undercover officer with the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office and his name is not being made public. The BCA indicated he fired his rifle.

The two other officers were Benton County Deputy Ron Thomas and Sherburne County Patrol Sergeant Austin Turner. He fired a less-lethal round and has eight years of law enforcement experience. The report says Deputy Thomas also has eight years of experience and fired his pistol.

The BCA says the five law enforcement officers were shot while executing a knock-and-announce search warrant at the home of 64-year-old Karl Holmberg. The officers evacuated from the home and negotiators were called to the property. Several hours later, Holmberg was convinced to come outside and the less-lethal round was fired and a K9 was used to take him into custody. Holmberg suffered minor injuries and was treated before he was booked into the Benton County Jail on attempted murder and other charges.

A news release says BCA crime scene personnel recovered 10 firearms at the scene along with ammunition and spent shell casings. It also says the members of the drug task force involved in the raid were wearing body cameras that captured portions of the incident.

Once the BCA completes its investigation, the findings will be presented to the Benton County Attorney's Office for further review. The news release does not identify the wounded officer who remains hospitalized.