DAKOTA COUNTY, Minn. — A man has pleaded guilty to attempted murder in connection with the shooting of two peace officers in July of 2018, according to the Dakota County Attorney's Office.
Dustin Allen Bilderback, 34, of South St. Paul, pleaded guilty Monday to two counts of first degree attempted murder.
Judge Karen Asphaug ordered a pre-sentence investigation and set the sentencing date for January 7, 2020.
On July 19, 2018, officers were dispatched to a supportive housing group home to conduct a welfare check on Bilderback, according to the criminal complaint.
When officers arrived, they found Bilderback and his case worker outside the residence. Officers spoke to his case worker, to determine if Bilderback should be placed on a 72-hour mental health hold.
Bilderback walked to his car at the back of the group home, while officers spoke to his case workers. The criminal complaint reads that one of the officers followed him to ensure Bilderback didn't leave until a decision was made on the 72-hour hold.
When he got to his car, Bilderback grabbed a shotgun from his back seat. The officer ran for cover, but Bilderback shot at him. He was struck in the left side of the back, neck and arm. Bilderback continued to walk toward the officers, fired multiple shots and struck a second officer in the leg, the complaint states.
Officials say Bilderback fired a total of six times.
Two officers returned fire but did not hit Bilderback.
The officers shouted to Bilderback to drop his weapon, and he complied, and was placed under arrest, according to the complaint.
