Stillwater Corrections Officer Killed By Police In Wisconsin Confrontation: Authorities

STILLWATER, MN — A Stillwater corrections officer was shot and killed by police over the weekend after confronting law enforcement with a gun, according to authorities.

Tyler Abel, 42, died in connection with the incident Saturday night at his home in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, according to a statement from Minnesota Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell.

Police responded to a domestic disturbance, according to Schnell, who said no one else was hurt in the confrontation and described Abel’s death as “both tragic and troubling.”

The St. Croix Sheriff’s Office was called to the Star Prairie Township residence shortly before 11 p.m., after Abel’s wife said her husband was “out of control” and had threatened to "bring his AR out," the agency said in a news release.

The woman escaped but two children remained in the home when police arrived, according to authorities, who said Abel threatened law enforcement and brought a long gun outside, at which time a St. Croix deputy and a New Richmond officer fired their weapons. Both have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of a probe and internal review, police said.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, according to police.

Abel worked in manufacturing for roughly 20 years before changing careers and becoming a Minnesota corrections officer a little over a year ago, according to Schnell.

“He worked at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater where he was well-liked and highly regarded by many staff,” Schnell said in the statement.

The department will provide support and resources to staff as they process Abel’s death, according to Schnell.