ALBERT Lea, Minn. – The man accused in a stand-off with police over the weekend expressed regret in debriefings with police. The criminal complaint against Wieland quotes him as saying hewas sorry. He asked interrogators to convey his regret to everyone involved in the nine-hour stand-off including a police officer and two other men who were wounded. The criminal complaint, with information from Weiland and others, answered many questions about what happened:
What set it off? Weiland admitted to calling police about 2:18 a.m., Sunday, to report hearing gunshots or fireworks at Shady Oaks apartments. It was a ruse, but, said Weiland, he knew police would respond. Weiland said he was concerned that police were intent on confiscating his guns, although apparently didn’t connect his concern with why he called in the false report about noise. After the surrender, police found three rifles and a shotgun in Weiland’s apartment.
Any hostages? No. Weiland was alone his third-floor apartment. As officers attempted to evacuate the building, Weiland continued firing at officers and residents.
Who was shot? When police arrived in the Shady Oaks parking lot, they took several rounds in an ambush from a third-floor apartment. One of the officers was shot in the chest. Several rounds struck a squad car. The officer, who was wearing a bulletproof vest, was not badly hurt. A second tenant left his apartment to check on his car. When he returned, he was shot in the arm. ahe survived. Another victim, who lives across the street, was struck by a bullet through his car door as he was leaving for work. He needed emergency surgery for a leg wound.
Where did so many SWAT teams come from? Three SWAT teams assembled on site with cross-trained officers from Albert Lea, Austin, Mantorville, Mankato, Minneapolis, Owatonna, Stillwater, Waseca and Winona.
What ended the stand-off? Tactical team members stationed themselves in the hallway outside Weiland’s apartment. When teargas was lobbed in, Weiland responded by firing a gun through his apartment door. He surrendered after debris, apparently loosened by the teargas, struck his forehead. There was heavy bleeding. He was arrested and taken to the hospital.
How many shots were exchanged? Authorities estimated that 90 rounds were fired during the standoff. Weiland said 75 rounds.