Armed man arrested after standoff in Faribault

A man who allegedly pulled a gun on two people and later pointed it at police was arrested early Thursday morning after a standoff in Faribault.

Faribault police say officers were called to the 400 block of Central Avenue just after 10:30 p.m. Wednesday after a man and his son said someone had pulled a gun on them. Officers and deputies recognized the 39-year-old man and tried to talk with him but he retreated into his apartment.

Negotiators were called and spoke to the man, who reportedly told police, “Shoot me,” and then pointed a gun at officers.

SWAT was requested and deployed pepper ball munitions into the apartment, which then got the man to leave the apartment. However, police say he still refused to comply and continued yelling at officers to shoot him.

Eventually, the man walked toward his gun and was shot with less-lethal munitions by officers, the department says. He was then arrested just after 4 a.m., taken to a hospital for an evaluation and then booked at Rice County Jail.

As of Thursday afternoon, he hadn’t formally been charged.

“I am extremely proud of how officers responded while facing imminent danger,” Faribault Police Chief John Sherwin said. “The restraint displayed by officers and repeated attempts to de-escalate an armed and agitated individual are reflective of their sound tactics and training. I am also very appreciative of the assistance from our partner agencies and quick response from South Metro SWAT to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.”