Anoka County law enforcement responded Friday to an active standoff in Nowthen, Minnesota, involving an armed individual barricaded inside a home. Residents along Jasper Street Northwest, between 189th Lane and 185th Avenue Northwest, were ordered to shelter in place, while nearby roads were blocked off for public safety.
The incident prompted a large police response, including SWAT teams, with fire crews assisting at the scene. Authorities later confirmed that the suspect was taken into custody after several hours.
What Happened During the Standoff
Law enforcement focused on a single residence where the suspect had barricaded themself. Sky 11 live footage showed officers approaching the home before retreating as smoke and flames became visible.
The Elk River Fire Department responded by shuttling water from a nearby station to help contain the fire. Heavy smoke was first reported around noon, with flames visible from two windows by approximately 1 p.m.
Officials urged residents to avoid the area and comply with barricades to ensure safety.
Police and Fire Response
Authorities confirmed that streets surrounding Jasper Street Northwest remained closed during the operation. Police instructed residents within the affected zone to continue following official guidance and not bypass barricades unless absolutely necessary.
Residents needing to leave their homes for urgent reasons were advised to contact the non-emergency dispatch line at 763-427-1212.
Who Was Involved
The standoff occurred in Nowthen, a small town located about 35 miles northwest of Minneapolis. The response involved local deputies, SWAT teams, and fire personnel, with the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office coordinating operations and providing updates through alerts and social media.
The suspect’s identity and further details about the incident have not been released. Officials said the investigation remains ongoing.
Latest Update: Shelter-in-Place Lifted
Later Friday, the City of Nowthen announced that the shelter-in-place order had been lifted, allowing residents to leave their homes. Police and fire personnel remained on scene to secure the area and complete follow-up operations.
