39-year-old man arrested after 18-hour standoff in Nowthen, Anoka County Sheriff says

A 39-year-old man was taken into custody Friday afternoon after an 18-hour standoff in Nowthen that began as an attempted warrant service and escalated into an armed barricade and a structure fire, according to the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident began at approximately 5:58 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, when Anoka County Emergency Communications received a call from a homeowner in the 18800 block of Jasper Street NW reporting that a man inside the residence was wanted on outstanding warrants. Dispatchers confirmed multiple warrants and a KOPS alert related to an attempt to locate the individual for an order for protection violation, the sheriff’s office said in a press release issued Friday.

Deputies were sent to the residence and attempted to make contact. According to authorities, the man refused to exit the home and made threats of violence toward law enforcement. Deputies then initiated an armed and barricaded subject protocol, and the Anoka County SWAT team was activated.

As the standoff continued into the overnight hours, the sheriff’s office issued a shelter in place warning for nearby residents in the area between 189th Lane NW and 185th Avenue NW. Neighbors were advised to remain indoors and away from windows while law enforcement maintained a secured perimeter.

Authorities said the suspect fired multiple shots from inside the residence during the standoff. Negotiators attempted to resolve the situation peacefully, but the man continued to refuse commands. Additional SWAT teams from neighboring agencies were requested to assist as the hours wore on and temperatures dropped.

Shortly before 12:40 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19, a fire broke out inside the residence where the man was barricaded. Fire crews were dispatched to the scene but were initially staged at a safe distance until law enforcement confirmed the suspect had been secured.

The man was taken into custody at approximately 1:30 p.m. and transported to the Anoka County Jail. The shelter in place order was lifted shortly afterward. No injuries to deputies, firefighters, or the public were reported.

The sheriff’s office said the residence sustained significant fire damage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Mutual aid during the incident included SWAT assistance from the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office, Elk River Police Department, Wright County Sheriff’s Office, and St. Cloud Police Department. Fire response support was provided by the Nowthen, Oak Grove, St. Francis, Andover, Ramsey, Elk River, Zimmerman, and Isanti fire departments. Allina EMS provided medical support at the scene.

As of Friday evening, authorities had not released the suspect’s name or specific details about the outstanding warrants. The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is ongoing and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

MinneapoliMedia