On the night of March 1, 2024, a harrowing incident unfolded on the streets of St. Paul, Minnesota, when a routine traffic stop escalated into a life-threatening encounter for Ramsey County Sheriff’s Deputy Joe Kill. The deputy was pursuing a vehicle involved in reckless driving when a masked gunman opened fire with an assault rifle, striking the deputy’s squad car and his ballistic vest.

On the night of March 1, 2024, a harrowing incident unfolded on the streets of St. Paul, Minnesota, when a routine traffic stop escalated into a life-threatening encounter for Ramsey County Sheriff’s Deputy Joe Kill. The deputy was pursuing a vehicle involved in reckless driving when a masked gunman opened fire with an assault rifle, striking the deputy’s squad car and his ballistic vest.

The Pursuit and Shooting

At approximately 10:45 p.m., St. Paul police officers observed a dark-colored Honda Accord driving recklessly near Payne Avenue and Jessamine Street. The vehicle was speeding and ignoring stop signs. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the driver fled. Ramsey County Deputy Joe Kill later spotted the vehicle and initiated a pursuit. During the chase, a passenger in the suspect vehicle leaned out of the window and fired an AR-style rifle at the deputy’s squad car. One bullet penetrated the hood and dashboard of the vehicle, striking Deputy Kill’s ballistic vest near his collarbone. He was taken to the hospital for evaluation and later released with minor injuries.

Investigation and Arrests

Following the incident, law enforcement recovered two .223 caliber shell casings at the scene and located the suspect vehicle about six blocks away. A search warrant executed at the residence of 20-year-old Trevion Armand Figgs led to the discovery of a tan AR-style rifle stock, a handgun, and ammunition. DNA evidence linked Figgs to the shell casings found at the scene. Figgs was arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and drive-by shooting. A 17-year-old accomplice, believed to be the driver, also turned himself in to authorities.

Deputy Kill’s Recovery and Return to Duty

Deputy Kill underwent physical therapy for his injuries and returned to active duty six weeks after the shooting. On his first night back, he was involved in another vehicle pursuit, highlighting the persistent dangers faced by law enforcement officers. Reflecting on the March incident, Kill expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of gun violence, stating, “When I started, the guns weren’t really in play until more so now.”

Community and Law Enforcement Response

The shooting prompted strong reactions from law enforcement officials. Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher emphasized the severity of the attack, noting that the bullet struck just six inches below Deputy Kill’s head, potentially saving his life. St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry highlighted the broader implications, stating, “If you can shoot at a law-enforcement member, who’s clearly a police officer, you will literally shoot at anybody.” The incident underscored concerns about rising violence against police officers in Minnesota.

Conclusion

The March 1 shooting of Deputy Joe Kill serves as a stark reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face daily. The swift investigation and subsequent arrests demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to hold perpetrators accountable. As Deputy Kill continues his service, the incident reinforces the importance of supporting those who protect our communities.