Woodbury Officer Shoots Out Burglary Suspect's Tire

The Woodbury Police Department on Thursday identified the burglary suspect who authorities were investigating during a series of events that culminated with an officer discharging his firearm.

“On Wednesday, Jan. 22 around 4 p.m. Woodbury police officers and detectives were investigating a burglary suspect that led them to the City of St. Paul,” a Woodbury Public Safety Department press release stated. "Before officers were able to make contact with the suspect, he left the area driving erratically, causing a property damage accident on White Bear Avenue and Case."

The suspect, identified as Noah Erickson, 28, of North St. Paul, struck a police vehicle, and an unoccupied parked car, then became lodged in a snow bank.

As officers attempted to take Erickson in to custody, he did not respond to their verbal commands to stop, and continued to actively attempt to put his car in motion in the direction of officers.

“It was at that time police Detective Jeff Zerwas, a 19-year veteran of the Woodbury Police Department, discharged his weapon into the vehicle’s tires in an attempt to disable the vehicle,” the press release stated.

By policy, any discharge of a firearm by an on-duty Woodbury Police Department employee will be investigated.

Erickson was booked in Ramsey County for active arrest warrants that include stalking and theft of a motor vehicle, according to the press release.

At the time of arrest Erickson was in possession of suspected narcotics and a firearm. He will likely face additional charges once the investigation is completed, the press release stated.

Neither the officers or the suspect sustained injury during this incident.

An independent investigation into the incident will be conducted by the St. Paul Police Department. 

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