BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — A 36-year-old man is charged after allegedly firing a shotgun at officers during a standoff in Bloomington.
Andrew James Maxwell is charged with first-degree assault — use of deadly force against a peace officer after prosecutors say he fired in the direction of officers while police were responding to a call on Thursday, July 4. Court documents say Maxwell allegedly fired after officers shot "less-lethal" ammunition. According to the criminal complaint, the officers fired the less-lethal ammunition after hearing Maxwell rack his shotgun in the garage prior to him opening the garage door.
Officials say Bloomington Police and Richfield Police both responded to the home near the 8700 block of 12th Avenue South on a call related to a suicidal man. Officials say a counselor was on the phone with Maxwell when officers arrived. At one point, dispatch was informed that Maxwell was in the garage pointing a shotgun at the garage door.
Officers say they heard Maxwell rack his gun, and a few minutes later, the garage door opened. Maxwell admitted to shooting at officers, saying he responded after the officers fired first.
An hours-long standoff eventually ended early Friday morning when police were able to detain Maxwell as he attempted to flee the scene on foot. Police say drones captured Maxwell trying to run away from the scene after he refused to give himself up peacefully, according to the criminal complaint. During the standoff, prosecutors say Maxwell fired "multiple" shots in the direction of a drone being used by law enforcement.
Maxwell's first court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, July 9.
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