Deputies Fatally Shoot Reckless Driver in Duluth

Sheriff says deputies fired after man fled traffic stop and a handgun was found in his car.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Deputies in Duluth, Minnesota fatally shot a man after he fled a traffic stop for reckless driving on Tuesday night. The St. Louis County Sheriff said the deputies fired at the man, who died at the scene, after he failed to pull over and a handgun was later found in his car. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the incident.

Why it matters

Police use of lethal force is a sensitive and controversial issue, especially when it involves a traffic stop that escalates to a fatal shooting. This incident raises questions about the deputies' decision-making, the man's actions, and whether the use of deadly force was justified.

The details

Around 9:40 p.m. on Tuesday, a deputy tried to pull over a man for reckless driving on Grand and 59th avenues in Duluth. The man fled the traffic stop, and was later stopped on the 7900 block of Grand Avenue. At that point, two deputies fired at the man, who died at the scene. The deputies were unharmed, and a handgun was found in the man's car, though the sheriff did not say if the deputies were aware of the gun before the shooting.

  • The incident occurred around 9:40 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
  • The man was stopped on the 7900 block of Grand Avenue in Duluth.

The players

Gordon Ramsay

The St. Louis County Sheriff who provided details about the incident.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the fatal shooting.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges and controversies around police use of force, especially in situations involving traffic stops that escalate. It will likely prompt further scrutiny and debate around de-escalation tactics, officer training, and policies governing when deadly force can be used.