The quiet community of Winona, Minnesota, was jolted into chaos on the evening of July 10, 2024, following a violent assault that led to a dramatic manhunt, a shelter-in-place order, and a series of confusing emergency alerts. The ordeal began at approximately 5:20 PM when the Winona Police Department received an urgent complaint about an assault at a business in the 250 block of Junction Street. The suspect, later identified as 25-year-old Stig Ure, reportedly assaulted an employee with a sharp object before fleeing the scene. This violent incident set off a chain of events that left the community on high alert and exposed critical issues with the emergency alert system.
As soon as the call came in, the Winona Police Department sprang into action. Officers were dispatched to the scene immediately to assess the situation and provide aid to the victim, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The victim, whose identity has not been released for privacy reasons, was treated by emergency medical personnel on the scene before being transported to a local hospital for further care. The quick response ensured that the victim received timely medical attention, but the primary focus now shifted to locating and apprehending the suspect.
Recognizing the severity of the assault and the potential threat posed by an armed suspect on the loose, the Winona Police Department swiftly issued a shelter-in-place order for the surrounding area. This decision aimed to ensure the safety of residents while officers conducted a thorough search for Ure. The shelter-in-place order was disseminated through multiple emergency alert platforms, including mobile notifications and local news broadcasts. However, the complexity and urgency of the situation soon revealed significant flaws in the alert system, leading to widespread confusion.
In the initial hours following the assault, the search for Ure intensified. Law enforcement agencies from across the region joined forces with the Winona Police Department to support the manhunt. These included the Winona County Sheriff’s Office, Goodview Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol, Winona Area Ambulance, and Winona Fire Department. The collaborative effort was critical in ensuring a coordinated and comprehensive response to the developing crisis. Officers set up a perimeter around the area and conducted door-to-door searches, while helicopters and drones provided aerial surveillance to aid in locating the suspect.
As the evening wore on, the community remained on edge. Residents followed the shelter-in-place order, staying indoors and away from windows and doors, as instructed by the emergency alerts. However, the effectiveness of the alert system came into question as multiple notifications were sent out, leading to confusion among residents. Some received duplicate messages, while others were mistakenly informed of an “active shooter” situation, which was not accurate. This miscommunication highlighted the need for a more streamlined and cohesive emergency alert system to prevent such misunderstandings in the future.
The turning point came at approximately 9:30 PM, nearly four hours after the initial assault. A vigilant citizen who had received the emergency alerts noticed a suspicious individual crawling in the weeds along the 1100 block of Highway 61. The concerned resident promptly contacted law enforcement, providing a crucial lead that ultimately led to Ure’s apprehension. Officers arrived at the location and, after a brief pursuit, successfully took Ure into custody without further incident. The arrest brought a sense of relief to the community, but it also underscored the importance of community vigilance and cooperation during such crises.
Following the arrest, Winona Police Chief Mike Johnson addressed the media, expressing his gratitude for the swift response from law enforcement and the critical assistance provided by the community. “We are incredibly thankful for the coordinated efforts of our officers and the invaluable support from our fellow agencies and residents,” Chief Johnson stated. “The safety of our community is our top priority, and we will continue to work diligently to ensure that Winona remains a safe place for all.”
In the aftermath of the incident, the Winona Police Department, along with the Winona County Sheriff’s Office and other assisting agencies, conducted a thorough review of the emergency response and the effectiveness of the alert system. They acknowledged the confusion caused by the multiple alerts and pledged to work on improving the system to ensure clearer and more accurate communication in the future. The goal is to provide timely and precise information to the public without causing unnecessary alarm or confusion.
The impact of the incident on the community was significant. Residents expressed a mix of relief and frustration, relieved that the suspect was apprehended but frustrated by the confusion caused by the emergency alerts. Many took to social media to share their experiences and concerns, prompting a broader conversation about the importance of effective communication during emergencies. Local officials and law enforcement agencies took note of the feedback and committed to addressing the issues raised by the community.
In the days that followed, support for the victim and the community poured in from various quarters. Counseling services were made available to those affected by the incident, including the victim, their family, and residents who experienced heightened anxiety due to the shelter-in-place order. Community organizations and local leaders organized forums to discuss the incident, share information, and provide support to those in need. These efforts aimed to foster a sense of solidarity and resilience within the community.
The incident also served as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and vigilance. Authorities emphasized the need for residents to stay informed, follow emergency protocols, and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. They reiterated the significance of having a well-coordinated emergency response plan and the role that each member of the community plays in ensuring public safety.
As the investigation into the assault continued, law enforcement officials worked to piece together the events leading up to the incident. They conducted interviews, collected evidence, and examined the suspect’s background to determine any potential motives or underlying factors. The goal was to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the incident and to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The community of Winona, though shaken by the incident, demonstrated remarkable resilience and unity in the face of adversity. Residents came together to support one another, share information, and express their commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement, emergency services, and the community played a crucial role in resolving the crisis and restoring a sense of normalcy.
In conclusion, the assault incident in Winona on July 10, 2024, highlighted both the strengths and challenges of the community’s emergency response system. While the swift action of law enforcement and the vigilance of residents led to the successful apprehension of the suspect, the confusion caused by the emergency alerts underscored the need for improvements in communication protocols. Moving forward, the lessons learned from this incident will inform efforts to enhance public safety, improve emergency response, and ensure clearer and more effective communication during critical situations. The community’s resilience and unity in the face of adversity serve as a testament to the strength and spirit of Winona and its residents.
