A 24-year-old man has pleaded guilty to attempted murder and other charges for getting in a shootout with law enforcement officers in northwestern Minnesota that left two of them thankful that they were wearing protective gear.
Michael J. Perry, of rural Crookston, pleaded guilty Wednesday in Polk County District Court to two counts of attempted murder and various lesser counts. Perry, who was winged by gunfire during the confrontation in September, will be sentenced next month.
Sheriff's Sgt. Brian Lundeen was struck by gunfire that hit the back of his bullet-resistant vest but was not hurt, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) said. Sheriff's investigator Nathan Rasch, 36, was grazed by a bullet on the back of his protective vest.
On Sept. 17, deputies heard gunfire as they approached a farm home.
As they spoke with family members outside, Perry began firing at them from inside. Perry continued to shoot as he emerged from the house, hitting the two officers. He then tried to get away in a vehicle, but officers stopped it as it left the property. Perry surrendered.
He was treated for a minor wound.
Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482
