Paynesville Township, MN – A 58-year-old man was arrested Saturday evening after allegedly firing at officers during a standoff in Stearns County, striking one deputy with birdshot, authorities said.
Deputies responded to a domestic incident at a residence on County Road 34 around 9:30 a.m. and determined there was probable cause to arrest Nicholas Kaufenberg. When officers attempted to take him into custody, Kaufenberg refused to come outside and threatened law enforcement, stating he had firearms and was willing to use them.
After several hours of negotiations, SWAT officers were called in. At approximately 7:35 p.m., as officers breached a window, Kaufenberg fired multiple rounds. A deputy was struck in the safety glasses by suspected birdshot, but no serious injuries were reported. Officers, protected by armored vehicles, arrested Kaufenberg without further incident.
A subsequent search of the home uncovered multiple firearms and spent shell casings. Kaufenberg is currently in custody, facing probable cause charges of second-degree assault and domestic assault. Formal charges are pending.
