Published: November 4, 2026
COTTAGE GROVE, MN: Two people were found dead from gunshot wounds Wednesday morning at Ravine Park in Cottage Grove, prompting a large law enforcement response, the closure of the park, and temporary disruptions to nearby government facilities.
According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, officers from the Cottage Grove Police Department and Washington County Sheriff's Office responded jointly to a report of shots fired inside Ravine Park at approximately 6:11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
Upon arriving at the park, responding officers encountered a witness who reported that a shooting had occurred. Authorities subsequently located two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say preliminary findings indicate the two individuals knew each other and that the shooting was not a random act of violence.
Authorities emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Large Law Enforcement Response and Investigation
Following the initial report of gunfire, responding officers secured the scene and established a perimeter around Ravine Park to preserve evidence and restrict access while investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Law enforcement interviewed a witness who reported the incident as part of the preliminary investigation.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office confirmed that multiple local and state agencies responded to assist with the incident, including:
Cottage Grove Police Department
Washington County Sheriff's Office
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA)
St. Paul Park Police Department
Minnesota State Patrol
Oakdale Police Department
Woodbury Police Department
Cottage Grove Fire Department
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension brings additional state-level investigative resources to the response. Authorities have not disclosed what led to the shooting, the relationship between the two deceased individuals, or whether any weapons were recovered at the scene.
Officials also have not publicly identified either individual.
While the preliminary investigation indicates the individuals knew each other, authorities have not released sufficient information to establish the precise circumstances of the shooting or the sequence of events leading to their deaths.
Ravine Park Closed Until Further Notice
The shooting prompted several precautionary closures in the surrounding area as law enforcement established a perimeter and conducted its initial investigation. According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the incident was contained to Ravine Park.
As of Wednesday morning, the following facility closures and operational updates were in effect:
Ravine Park: Remains closed until further notice while law enforcement continues its investigation.
Washington County Service Center: Will remain closed for the remainder of Wednesday, November 4. The Sheriff's Office will provide additional information regarding when the facility will reopen.
Cottage Grove City Hall: Has reopened following the initial emergency response.
HERO Center: Has also reopened after temporarily being affected by the incident.
The Sheriff's Office has not provided an estimated reopening time for Ravine Park. Residents and visitors are advised to avoid the park while investigators continue their work and to follow any posted closures or law enforcement instructions.
Investigators Say Shooting Was Not Random
In its Wednesday morning statement, the Washington County Sheriff's Office sought to reassure residents that the incident did not present an ongoing danger to the public. According to investigators, preliminary evidence suggests the two individuals were acquainted and that the shooting was not a random act of violence.
However, officials have not publicly detailed the nature of their relationship or the events that preceded the shooting. The Sheriff's Office also referenced domestic violence in its statement, expressing condolences to the families and others affected.
"Our thoughts and hearts go out to the family, the community, and all those affected by domestic violence," the agency stated.
Authorities have not yet publicly provided additional details explaining the domestic violence reference or formally characterized the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
No further information about the potential motive or investigative findings was immediately available.
Identification of Victims Pending
The Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office will formally identify the two deceased individuals and coordinate notification of their next of kin. The identities, ages, and hometowns of the individuals have not yet been released.
Additional information about the circumstances of their deaths may become available as investigators complete their examination of the scene and the medical examiner's investigation progresses. The Washington County Sheriff's Office said it will release further updates as information becomes available.
Investigation Remains Active
The Wednesday morning shooting remains under investigation by local and state authorities. Although investigators have indicated that the incident was not random and that there is no active threat to the community, several important questions remain unanswered, including what precipitated the shooting and the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Authorities have not announced when they will release additional investigative findings or identifying information.
Limitless Media News will continue monitoring developments and provide updates as the Washington County Sheriff's Office and investigating agencies release additional information.
Source: Washington County Sheriff's Office, November 4, 2026.
