Heavy Police Presence in St Paul Ends with Peaceful Arrest After Individual Was Seen With Rifle-Style Weapon
UPDATED: 5:24 PM on May 3, 2025.
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA - A heavy law enforcement response unfolded Saturday morning, May 3, 2025, in the area of Maryland Avenue just west of Interstate 35E, after authorities responding to a crash near southbound I-35E and Cayuga Street saw a person with a rifle-style weapon.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, troopers were dispatched just before 9:25 a.m. on May 3 to a crash near southbound I-35E and Cayuga Street. While responding to the crash, dispatchers observed a male in the area carrying what appeared to be a rifle-style weapon with a scope. When troopers arrived and attempted to make contact, the man fled on foot. He was later identified as Kyi Win, a 40-year-old St. Paul resident. Win ran toward the nearby Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) facility off of L’Orient Street just west of I-35E and south of Maryland Avenue.
Multiple agencies, including the Minnesota State Patrol, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, St. Paul Police Department, White Bear Lake Police Department, and St. Paul SWAT, responded to the scene. The area saw a significant police presence as officers worked to locate and contain the individual. Once the man was located, repeated commands to surrender were given, but Win did not comply. St. Paul Police officers ultimately deployed pepperballs—a less-lethal munition—which prompted Win to exit his hiding place. He was taken into custody without further incident around 11 AM. No injuries were reported to either officers or Win.
Authorities later confirmed that the weapon seen was a rifle-style BB gun. Win was booked into the Ramsey County Jail on charges of carrying a BB gun in a public place and fleeing on foot. There have been a few unconfirmed reports that when law enforcement searched Win’s bag, they found pigeons. We asked the Minnesota State Patrol if they could confirm these details. The Minnesota State Patrol stated that they are working with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to determine any additional charges that might be filed. The specific details on what was found were not available due to the ongoing investigation.
Additional updates will be provided as they are made available.
Written By: Will Wight
