SOUTH ST PAUL, Minn. — A man who shot two South St. Paul Police officers with a shotgun back in 2018 has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Dustin Allen Bilderback, 34, of South St. Paul, pleaded guilty Oct. 14, 2019 to two counts of attempted murder in the first degree. As part of his plea deal two additional counts of intentional attempted murder in the second degree were dropped.
Judge Karen Asphaug sentenced Bilderback Tuesday to 20 years in custody, the maximum allowed by Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines.
On July 19, 2018, South St. Paul Police officers responded to a group home for a welfare check on Bilderback. While they were standing outside conferring with Bilderback's case worker on whether to place him on a 72-hour mental health hold, Bilderback walked to his car.
According to the Dakota County Attorney's Office, an officer followed Bilderback to make sure he didn't leave. Bilderback then pulled a shotgun from the car and the officer ran to take cover. Prosecutors say Bilderback shot that officer, hitting him in the back, neck and arm; and then continued to shoot at the other officers, striking another in the leg.
Bilderback did not drop his weapon until he ran out of ammunition, according to the county attorney.
“We are pleased this individual has taken responsibility for these serious actions against peace officers," said Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom.
