Cloquet Police Chief Provides Update On Super 8 Shooting Fatalities

The unthinkable happened in Cloquet Monday night. Two victims were shot and the suspect was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gun wound, according to police.

The Mayor of Cloquet, Roger Maki, held a press conference Tuesday morning.

“I’d like to share my heartfelt sympathies to the victims of this horrible incident 0:41 Mayor Maki asked the public to give privacy to the victims’ families He went on to show appreciation for the public response,” according to Maki.

He went on to say, ” I would like to thank the public for their cooperation for sheltering in place requests. With the public’s support law enforcement was able to work this case safely and efficiently as possible and give the all clear.”

He also thanked law enforcement and first responders.

Maki then introduced Police Chief Derek Randall who said something like this has never happened in Cloquet.

“We have had homicides, but nothing to this nature in my 20-plus years I’ve never issued a shelter in place alert,” Randall said.

It all started at 6:34 p.m. Monday when a hotel employee at the Super 8 found another employee who was working at the front desk and appeared to have been attacked.

“At this point, we believe the female clerk was the first victim and then the suspect went outside and later shot the man in the car,” Randall explained.

The 22-year-old female victim was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth with a gunshot wound and died there. Police arrived within 3 minutes of the call.

As the investigation continued, Chief Randall said another victim was found.

“During the initial investigation, we found a 35-year-old Deer River man with multiple gunshot wounds deceased inside a vehicle in the hotel parking lot,” Randall said.

Then police discovered a 32-year-old man from Ramsey, Minnesota.

“…was found outside on hotel property with self inflicted gun wounds. A handgun was found adjacent to the deceased,” Randall said.

Randall said the officers believed they were in the midst of an active shooter situation. They took a cautious approach and issued the shelter in place alert until more information was known.

Officers arrived at the scene and used hotel surveillance to determine the assailant was one of the deceased individuals.  The shelter-in-place was then lifted.

Early in the investigation, authorities said there is no known motive for the shootings, nor is a connection between the victims clear. The hotel surveillance cameras played a critical role as the night unfolded.

“The biggest concern for us was not knowing where the suspect was as we responded. Officers were able to quickly clear the hotel top floor bottom floor. Once that was secure, people were in place we were able to access the video surveillance and got information to see what was on,” Randall said.

Hotel guests who booked a room Monday night were given the opportunity to go to another hotel, although some did choose to stay.

The Red Cross is available for anyone needing assistance related to this incident, or anyone in the community needs assistance. First responders are also being offered mental health services.

“There was an initial debriefing with involved offers and public service personnel. One psychologist came to service area. And will provide follow up crisis support as needed,” Randall said.

Chief Randall reflected on the enormity of the crime and showed appreciation for the support of area agencies.

“It’s a tragedy. I think we plan for this type of situation and hope it doesn’t happen in your community. When that call came out, the sheriff’s office, Fon du Lac PD, our closest partners were on their way.”