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2030 North Arlington Avenue • Duluth, Minnesota 55811 • www.duluthmn.gov
Public Information Officer, Mattie Hjelseth at (218) 730-5434 or mhjelseth@duluthmn.gov
SUBJECT: Duluth Police arrest suspect from shots fired incident
BY: Kate Van Daele, Public Information Officer
NATURE OF INCIDENT: Arrest
CASE NO.: 21-059794
INCIDENT DATE: 5/12/2021
INCIDENT TIME: 3:18 a.m.
INCIDENT LOCATION: 200 Block of North 14 Avenue
Duluth Police arrest suspect from shots fired incident
[Duluth, MN] On Wednesday, May 12, at 3:18 a.m., Duluth Police officers were dispatched to the 200 block of North 14th Avenue East on a “sound of shots” call. Upon arrival, officers found evidence to substantiate that shots had been fired, specifically spent shell casings and damage to a building in the area. Officers had no information of any injuries at the time of the report. It was believed that all parties involved were known to one another.
Follow up investigation was conducted by investigators from the Duluth Police Department Violent Crimes Unit, and a suspect was identified. On May 13, with the assistance of the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, Stephen James Smith, 28, was taken into custody without incident. Upon Smith’s arrest, investigators observed Smith had what appeared to be an injury that was unrelated to his arrest and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Upon Smith’s release from the hospital, Smith has been booked at the St. Louis County Jail for Reckless Discharge of a Firearm in a Municipality (felony), Threats of Violence, Possession of a Firearm by Prohibited Person, and a Drive-by Shooting. He will remain in jail until he is formally charged by the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office. This case is considered to be an active and ongoing investigation. No additional information is available at this time.
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