Man killed in Normanna Township incident identified; Officers involved also identified
Law enforcement scene in Normanna near McQuade Road and E Pioneer Road
ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has released more information on the deadly incident in Normanna Township on July 15, 2025.
BCA says the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office identified Adam Clinton Wolf, 57, of Normanna Township as the man who died from from gunshot wounds.
BCA’s preliminary investigation, says St. Louis County Deputies were dispatched just before 9:30 a.m. on July 15 to an arson incident on the 6200 block of Heritage Road.
That’s where Wolf was reported to have started fires at his home as well as at two of his neighbors’ homes.
Wolf was reported to be driving around the area on a riding lawnmower while armed with a rifle-style weapon.
A responding firefighter extinguished the fires at both neighbors’ homes.
The firefighter reported hearing gunshots and believed he was being shot at by someone.
A responding officer from Duluth Township also reported being shot at when they arrived at the location.
Deputies from the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office then arrived and began searching the area for Wolf.
When they located Wolf and he shot at them, an exchange of gunfire occurred in which Wolf was shot.
Medical aid was rendered to Wolf, but he was pronounced deceased.
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BCA crime scene personnel recovered a firearm similar to a shotgun, spent cartridge casings as well as improvised shotgun-type devices along the roadway.
The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office requested the BCA to investigate.
This investigation is currently ongoing.
When complete, the BCA will present its findings to the St Louis County Attorney’s Office for review to decide if any charges are warranted.
Deputies involved in this incident were wearing body cameras.
The BCA has identified the St. Louis County deputies who discharged their firearm during the incident. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office has placed them all on critical incident leave.
- Sgt. Zachary Peterson has seven years of law enforcement experience.
- Deputy Charles Bennett has 10 years of law enforcement experience.
- Deputy Matt Miranda has 10 years of law enforcement experience.
- Deputy Forest Lunemann has three years of law enforcement experience.
- Deputy Michael Pikul has seven years of law enforcement experience.
