Minneapolis Man Accused of Firing at Deputies During Six-Hour Standoff Faces 21 Felony Charges
Published: June 17th, 2026
MINNEAPOLIS: A Minneapolis man is facing 21 felony charges after prosecutors allege he fired multiple rounds at Hennepin County deputies and Minneapolis police officers during a lengthy armed standoff that forced evacuations and shut down part of south Minneapolis.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County District Court, Tyler Joseph O'Brien is charged with 18 counts of first-degree assault involving the use of deadly force against peace officers and three counts of illegal possession of firearms by a person convicted of a crime of violence.
According to the complaint, deputies received information on June 9 that O'Brien, who was wanted on an active Minnesota Department of Corrections felony release violator warrant, was staying at an apartment in the 2700 block of Nicollet Avenue and was allegedly armed with a Ruger handgun. When deputies attempted to arrest him, they announced their presence multiple times and used an under-door camera after O'Brien refused to answer. Investigators allege deputies observed O'Brien standing behind the door pointing what appeared to be a handgun directly at them.
Prosecutors allege deputies retreated after spotting the firearm. As one deputy disabled surveillance cameras outside the apartment, O'Brien allegedly fired through the apartment door toward the deputies. Additional shots were reportedly fired as deputies withdrew from the building.
The complaint states a six-to-seven-hour standoff followed, during which O'Brien allegedly fired approximately 15 to 20 rounds through windows, doors, and walls toward law enforcement officers and civilians. Negotiators reportedly made phone contact with O'Brien, who allegedly threatened to shoot officers and claimed he possessed a hand grenade. Multiple Hennepin County Sheriff's Office deputies and Minneapolis police officers were allegedly targeted during the exchange, and two armored BearCat vehicles were struck by gunfire, according to the complaint.
Authorities also evacuated the apartment building and nearby businesses during the incident. The complaint states two children in a neighboring apartment and a three-year-old child inside O'Brien's apartment were safely evacuated. After several hours of negotiations, O'Brien surrendered without further incident.
Investigators recovered a Ruger 5.7 FN pistol, a Ruger GP100 .357 Magnum revolver, and a .380 ACP Derringer from the apartment, according to the complaint. Prosecutors allege O'Brien is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2015 Nebraska first-degree assault conviction.
The charges are allegations, and O'Brien is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.