EP police maintain response strategy to domestic calls after Burnsville tragedy

The February shooting deaths of three Burnsville first responders sent shock waves throughout not just that community but also the state.

The victims – officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth – were responding to a call at a residence where a man with a long history of crime and violence was in the house with a woman and their children.

By the time the situation was resolved, the perpetrator had already taken his own life, leaving the woman to face charges of illegally purchasing firearms for him, as he was legally prohibited from doing so due to his criminal record. The public service memorial for the three was attended by thousands of first responders from throughout the state at Grace Church in Eden Prairie on Feb. 28.

Over Easter weekend, two similar incidents occurred, including another one in Burnsville. A woman living near Buck Hill ski resort held off police for eight hours after reportedly discharging a firearm in her home. Following an intervention by a K9 unit, she was arrested, with two police officers sustaining minor injuries.

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Then, on Easter morning, a man in Woodbury was arrested at his home after discharging a gun.

Domestic calls to law enforcement are a nationwide issue. Approximately 22 percent of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in the U.S. each year lose their lives while responding to domestic calls. These calls make up 15 to 50 percent of the total calls for police intervention nationwide.

Since the February incident in Burnsville, has the Eden Prairie Police Department considered changes in its policies and practices regarding responses to domestic calls?

“No,” according to Capt. Chris Wood.

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Last year, the department received 263 domestic issue calls and made 84 arrests.

Domestic calls can range from a couple engaging in a loud verbal argument, resulting in a police response, to situations involving weapons that require the SWAT team’s involvement.

“Our policy is to always send a minimum of two officers to respond to any domestic call,” said Wood. “If warranted, we can send four to six.”

Domestic situations often involve mental health issues. Wood stated that every officer in the department is required to undergo a week-long training course in mental health issues, which can be a factor in many situations, not just domestic ones.

“The city has a social worker we can turn to if necessary, and there are a lot of good community resources with qualified, trained people in mental health matters we can utilize,” Wood said.