5 OFFICERS SHOT DURING A METH SEARCH WARRANT IN MINNESOTA

Early on the morning of October 12, 2023, law enforcement officers arrived at a rural property in Benton County, Minnesota. They were there to execute a NARCOTICS SEARCH WARRANT after investigators had developed evidence suggesting that methamphetamine was being possessed and sold from the residence.

The operation was supposed to be a carefully planned search. Instead, officers quickly found themselves facing an armed confrontation that would leave several members of the task force wounded.

 

 

 

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OFFICERS ARRIVE WITH A SEARCH WARRANT

Investigators had been building the case for months. According to court records, a confidential informant reportedly purchased methamphetamine from the residence on two occasions. Investigators also conducted several searches of the property's trash, finding items that tested positive for methamphetamine residue.

Just after 7 A.M., members of the Sherburne County Drug Task Force, along with officers from other agencies, arrived at the property. Officers announced themselves and repeatedly identified themselves as police while attempting to execute the warrant.

THE OPERATION CHANGED WITHIN MOMENTS.

 

 

 

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GUNFIRE ERUPTS INSIDE THE HOUSE

According to the criminal complaint, officers came under gunfire after announcing their presence. A rifle was reportedly fired from inside the residence, striking multiple officers.

FIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS WERE WOUNDED DURING THE GUNFIGHT. Some were struck by bullets while others were hit in their protective vests. Officers returned fire before withdrawing from the immediate area.

The sudden exchange of gunfire transformed a narcotics search into a major police emergency. Additional law enforcement resources were brought in as officers worked to contain the property.

 

 

 

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A HOURS-LONG STANDOFF FOLLOWS

After the initial exchange, officers established a perimeter around the residence. The situation did not end immediately. A STANDOFF LASTED FOR SEVERAL HOURS as authorities attempted to bring the suspect into custody.

Court documents described a tense situation inside the home. Investigators alleged that Holmberg had told his wife that it was his “day to die” and encouraged her to participate in the confrontation. She did not join him.

The officers outside continued working to resolve the incident while medical teams treated the wounded personnel.

 

 

 

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THE SUSPECT IS FINALLY TAKEN INTO CUSTODY

After several hours, authorities were able to end the standoff. HOLMBERG WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AT ABOUT 10:45 A.M. He had suffered a gunshot wound to the foot and was transported for medical treatment before being booked into custody.

Investigators later reported finding firearms, ammunition and drug-related evidence at the property. The case therefore involved not only the shooting of the officers but also the underlying narcotics investigation that had brought them to the residence.

THE CASE EVENTUALLY REACHES COURT

Holmberg initially faced multiple counts of attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault against peace officers. In August 2025, a Benton County jury found him guilty of 15 felony counts, including attempted murder and assault charges.

Two months later, in October 2025, a judge sentenced him to more than 76 years in prison for the attack on the officers.

WHAT BEGAN AS A DRUG SEARCH WARRANT ENDED IN ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS POLICE ENCOUNTERS IN BENTON COUNTY. The bodycam footage and court records provide a detailed look at how quickly a planned law-enforcement operation can turn into a prolonged armed standoff.

 

 

THE INVESTIGATION AND AFTERMATH

The incident left five officers injured, but ALL FIVE SURVIVED. The investigation subsequently moved from the rural property to the courtroom, where prosecutors presented evidence concerning the shooting, the narcotics investigation and the firearms recovered during the case.

Sources: Minnesota Star Tribune, AP, KSTP, Benton County official records.

Full video: 5 Cops Shot as Minnesota Raid Turns into Chaos - YouTube