Rochester standoff is over; suspects gone

by Sea Stachura, Minnesota Public Radio

Rochester, Minn. — Rochester police entered a home this afternoon following an apparent standoff with two gunmen, only to find the home empty and the suspects gone.

About 20 officers were posted outside the home after an apparent robbery attempt this morning. This afternoon police fired tear gas into the house, and when they entered they found only a hat and a gun near a broken window.

Police Lt. Dan Muyres says three people broke into the home this morning. A 24-year old man and his mother were at home and called 911. Muyres says both were able to escape the home.

"But not until he had been pistol-whipped by these intruders. When our officers first arrived there were two, and possibly three suspects, still inside the house. Shortly thereafter one of them came out on his own," said Muyres.

Police are now searching for the two missing suspects.