UPDATE: Man Killed In St. Croix County Standoff Identified As Minnesota Corrections Officer

Star Prairie Township, St. Croix County - A domestic disturbance call on the evening of June 3, 2023, escalated into a tragic incident resulting in the death of a 42-year-old man from New Richmond, Wisconsin, according to a press release from the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office. The St. Croix County Emergency Communication Center received the distress call at approximately 10:46 p.m. regarding a residence in the 1900 block of CTH CC.

According to the caller, the situation involved her husband, who was described as "out of control" and threatening to retrieve his AR rifle. Promptly responding to the call, St. Croix County Deputies and officers from the New Richmond Police Department arrived at the scene and located the female caller outside the residence. They were informed that two juveniles were still inside the home, and the male subject remained inside, posing a threat to the officers.

As the deputies assessed the situation through a window, they observed the man had armed himself with a hunting rifle. Despite attempts to establish communication, the subject continued making threats and ultimately emerged from the residence with the long gun, confronting the officers. In response to the immediate threat, a St. Croix County deputy and a New Richmond officer discharged their weapons, striking the subject. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while no other individuals were harmed.

The deceased has been identified as a 42-year-old white male from New Richmond, WI. As per Wisconsin State Statute 175.47, the Polk County Sheriff's Office will be responsible for conducting the criminal investigation into this incident. Once the investigation is concluded, the case file will be transferred to the St. Croix County District Attorney's Office for review.

Following standard protocol, the deputy and officer involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation and internal review take place. Authorities emphasize that this is an active and ongoing investigation, with further updates expected to be released later in the week.

UPDATE: The Polk County Sheriff's Office has released the name of the deceased in a press release sent on Monday afternoon.

Press Release

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating the officer involved shooting incident that occurred in St Croix County on June 3, 2023. The person who died, as a result of the incident, is 42-year-old Tyler Abel of rural New Richmond, Wisconsin.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office will complete its investigation and turn over the report to the St Croix County District Attorney. No further information will be released at this time.

-- Per Sheriff Brent Waak

UPDATE: Tyler Abel, the man killed in a weekend standoff in St. Croix County, has been identified as a Minnesota corrections officer. The Minnesota Department of Corrections has released the following statement:

Statement

I’d like to extend my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the family of Corrections Officer Tyler Abel, whose death this weekend is both tragic and troubling.

Abel, 42, was shot and killed Saturday night in St. Croix County, WI by law enforcement officers who responded to a domestic disturbance call at his home. According to the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office, Abel confronted law enforcement officers with a gun. No one else was injured in the incident.

After spending approximately 20 years in manufacturing, Abel changed careers and was hired as a corrections officer with the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) in April of 2022. He worked at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater where he was well-liked and highly regarded by many staff.

The Minnesota Department of Corrections Peer Support Team will assist all staff members who want or need help during this time. The team can provide support and resources to staff as they process this news.