Drug Deal Results in Shooting in Duluth Township
The shooting suspect allegedly expressed disbelief in only causing minor damage
DULUTH, Minn. – Police say they’ve charged a 19-year-old after a drug deal gone bad resulted in 10 shots being fired and left a young woman with minor injuries.
Authorities have charged 19-year-old Evan Edblom with 2nd-degree assault for last Tuesday’s shooting in Duluth Township.
According to court filings, police became aware of the shooting when a 19-year-old female arrived at Aspirus Hospital in Duluth with a possible gunshot wound to her foot. The young woman was accompanied by a 17-year-old male, and when they were initially questioned, they were reportedly evasive with officers over concerns about getting in trouble.
The police reports state that the couple eventually told officers that they drove to the area of 6200 Berquist Road, so the juvenile could sell $100 worth of marijuana. The juvenile was using a chat app and didn’t know the real name of the person he was delivering to, but police were subsequently able to link the account to Edblom.
When the juvenile and female were waiting on Berquist Road, they say a man wearing a black mask and a black puffy jacket began approaching their truck. The juvenile said that he saw the man reach into his waistband and pull a pistol, which is when he started speeding off.
The masked man reportedly fired 10 times, striking the vehicle and one bullet hitting the female in her foot. Shortly after driving off, the juvenile received a message from the account believed to be Edblom’s, which said “No way I really hit 0/10.”
Officers searched the area of the shooting for witnesses when they saw a vehicle leaving the Berquist Road residence connected to the incident. Speaking with the female driver, who identified herself as Edblom’s sister, she indicated her brother may have been involved. The sister also stated that Edblom lives at the address with other family members.
When officers executed a search warrant of the property, they found Edblom asleep in his room. Officers located a .22 pistol, ammunition for at least two firearms, and a black mask and jacket similar to those the suspect was reportedly wearing.
Edblom spoke with authorities and claimed he planned to buy the marijuana from the juvenile, but when he approached the vehicle, said he witnessed the juvenile reach into his waistband. Edblom told officers he then pulled his gun and began to fire.
Along with the .22 pistol, officers found a shotgun in the residence. Edblom claimed he stole the firearms from his uncle, which was later confirmed by the uncle telling police that Edblom did not have permission to have the guns.
