Saturday, August 25, 2007

Lawyer Shot in Lakeland, MN

August 25, 2007

Keith Radtke, a Minneapolis lawyer, was wounded at his home in Lakeland, MN.

From http://wcco.com/topstories/swat.teams.keith.2.369850.html

The bizarre night started across the St. Croix River in Hudson, Wisconsin. Police had a warrant to arrest the man, but when they tried serving it, he shot at them, then jumped in a car.

Police chased the suspect down I-94 and into Lakeland, Minnesota. He got out of the car, then ran from home to home up and down Old Toll Bridge Road.

It all came to an end, when he got to Keith and Jody Ratdke's home. Ratdke and his wife had just put their three boys to bed upstairs, and they came downstairs.

The front door was still unlocked, and the man bolted through the front door with a gun. All three went into the garage, and there was some kind of struggle between Ratdke and the man. Ratdke was shot once, but he was still able to pin the man until police arrived.

When officers arrived, they shot the suspect with a Taser and arrested him. He was taken to Regions Hospital, where he was listed in serious condition.
Fortunately, Mr Radtke pulled through okay.
The bullet pierced Radtke’s lower back but hit no major organs - just muscle and tissue. There was no need for stitches. His wife and children were unharmed. He refused to talk about their ordeal, but issued a statement: “Our family wants to thank all of the law enforcement and medical personnel for their great work. We feel blessed to be in good hands.”
Other archived Star Tribune links (slow to load):
Initial vague report
A much more detailed follow-up
Radtke released from hospital