Glendorado Township, Minnesota – October 12, 2023
A routine early-morning law enforcement operation in rural Minnesota escalated into a harrowing armed standoff, leaving five officers injured and a 66-year-old suspect in custody. The dramatic incident unfolded in Glendorado Township, near Princeton, when a multi-agency task force attempted to serve a search warrant linked to illegal methamphetamine activity at the home of Carl Thomas Holberg, a local resident with a history of drug offenses.
Authorities say that the task force, which included SWAT officers, local deputies, and federal agents, arrived at Holberg’s residence in the early hours of October 12. Officers repeatedly announced their presence, ordering the occupants to comply with the warrant. Moments after the announcement, Holberg allegedly opened fire with a .223 caliber rifle, striking Officer Nick in the right arm and wounding several other officers.
The chaotic exchange saw bullets tearing through doors and walls, with tactical officers taking cover wherever possible. Footage later released from body cameras revealed the intensity of the firefight as officers applied tourniquets and administered first aid to their injured colleagues under fire.
“I’m hit, right arm! I need a tourniquet!” shouted Officer Nick, as fellow officers responded immediately, securing him and coordinating a rapid medical evacuation.
Three other officers sustained injuries, all of which were ultimately non-life-threatening, while two additional officers survived because their bulletproof vests stopped rounds fired by Holberg.
[Insert Video – bodycam footage showing officers under fire, medical response, and evacuation]
Holberg’s wife, reportedly in the home during the shootout, was able to exit the residence without incident following prolonged negotiations. Holberg, however, remained barricaded inside. Task force negotiators, using both direct conversation and phone communication, worked tirelessly to convince him to surrender peacefully.
After hours of tense standoff, Holberg eventually agreed to leave the home. Law enforcement deployed a police K-9 unit, which safely subdued him, allowing officers to place him in custody. During the arrest, Holberg sustained a leg injury, and he was taken to a hospital for treatment.
The Suspect’s Account
In interviews after his arrest, Holberg described the ordeal from his perspective:
“They came banging on my door, saying they had a warrant. I pleaded with them not to come in. I did not do anything wrong. I only fired after I heard shots and felt threatened.”
Holberg claimed he acted in self-defense, emphasizing that he had never intentionally harmed anyone and had no prior violent convictions. He maintained that his firearms were legally owned, some purchased legally and others gifted.
Authorities, however, affirmed that the officers were executing a lawful drug-related search warrant and that Holberg’s armed response significantly increased the danger to law enforcement personnel.
Evidence and Charges
Upon securing the home, investigators discovered multiple firearms, methamphetamine, and paraphernalia used for packaging and distributing drugs. The evidence reinforced the high-risk nature of the operation and the threat posed by Holberg’s armed resistance.
Holberg now faces 16 felony charges, including:
- Seven counts of attempted murder of a peace officer
- Seven counts of first-degree assault with a deadly weapon
- Multiple firearm and drug-related offenses
If convicted on all counts, Holberg could face decades in prison, with 30 years for each first-degree assault charge and 20 years for each attempted murder count. His sentencing is scheduled for October 31, 2023, in Benton County Court, where a judge will determine whether the sentences will be served consecutively.
Officers’ Bravery and Community Response
The incident has sparked conversations about the risks law enforcement faces when serving high-risk warrants. Five officers were wounded during the exchange, with Officer Nick requiring extensive medical treatment and surgery. Fellow officers praised the rapid response and teamwork that prevented more severe injuries or fatalities.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of following legal procedures and maintaining safety during high-risk operations, particularly when suspects are known to be armed. The community remains shaken by the violent standoff, which serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability and danger inherent in law enforcement activities.
“This was an extremely dangerous situation. Our officers showed incredible bravery under fire,” said a Benton County Sheriff’s spokesperson.
The case has also raised discussions on the balance between law enforcement tactics and civil rights, particularly regarding heavily armed raids in residential neighborhoods.
Authorities continue to investigate all aspects of the raid, reviewing bodycam footage, interviewing officers and witnesses, and assessing procedures for future operations. Meanwhile, Holberg remains in custody, and his actions during the raid will likely be a focal point in the upcoming court proceedings.
