Man shot by police in Blaine makes first court appearance

Bail was set at $1.5 million Friday for the man shot by police in Blaine after he threatened a homeowner and officers with a knife last week.

Lamar Allen Sullivan-Armstrong, 29, of Brooklyn Park, faces multiple charges of burglary and assault. He had his first court appearance in Anoka County District Court.

According to the criminal complaint, a woman was driving to pick up her mother to deliver newspapers at 3:45 a.m. on Jan. 22. He was running through the neighborhood and crashed into her car, breaking the driver's side window.

He demanded that she get out of her car and tried pulling her through a window. She honked her car's horn to draw attention. When a neighbor came out to see what was going on, Sullivan-Armstrong let go of her, the complaint said.

He then followed the neighbor and kicked in his front door, the charges say. He grabbed several kitchen knives, threatened the homeowner and started to cut himself. The neighbor called 911 and ran outside to talk to police. Two Coon Rapids officers arrived because all Blaine police on duty at the time were engaged, authorities have said.

As the officers entered the house, Sullivan-Armstrong raised a knife toward them as if he were going to stab them, the complaint said. Police told him to drop the knife and, when he wouldn't, they shot him, authorities say.

He was treated for his injuries and released to the custody of the Anoka County Sheriff's Office.

"This was a very dangerous situation, and it is very fortunate there were no life-threatening injuries to anyone involved," said County Attorney Tony Palumbo. "We are thankful a neighbor intervened to help this woman, or we may have had a much different situation."

David Chanen • 612-673-4465