POLK COUNTY — An armed suspect took his own life following an incident with authorities at a motel in the Village of Balsam Lake, according to a press release from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say that on Thursday, September 16, 2021, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Rice Lake Police Department in searching for a person with active warrants. At 7:23p, Investigators located the wanted person at a motel in the Village of Balsam Lake. The wanted person armed himself with a handgun and barricaded himself in one of the motel rooms.
Authorities say that after over an 11-hour standoff, the suspect broke off communication with officers.
Officers then entered the motel and located the suspect hiding in the attic space. Efforts to take the suspect into custody peacefully were unsuccessful. The suspect died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Lifesaving measures were attempted.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office thanks the following agencies for their assistance: the Barron County Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County Highway Department, St. Croix Falls Police Department, Luck Police Department, Balsam Lake/Centuria Police Department, Frederic Police Department, Amery Police Department, Milltown Police Department, Rice Lake Police Department, Osceola Police Department, Medical Examiner’s Office, Lakes Area Ambulance Service, and Balsam Lake Public Works.
The incident remains under investigation by the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office adds that the name of the person involved in this incident will be released at a later date.
Last Update: Sep 17, 2021 1:25 pm CDT
