Man Accused Of Trying To Kill 2 Burnsville Police Officers

BURNSVILLE, MN — A Prior Lake man is accused of trying to kill two Burnsville police officers. Ricardo Manuel Baldazo, 39, faces two counts of first degree attempted murder and two counts of first degree assault.

On Sept. 2, Burnsville police officers were dispatched to a home burglary. A man reported that someone had just broken into his house and was holding him at gunpoint; the caller then hung up.

Dispatchers and police tried to reach someone at the home, but went unanswered. Detectives arrived in an unmarked patrol car and saw an elderly woman sitting on the front deck. She "did not appear distressed," authorities said.

The woman said everything was fine and did not know why the police were called to her home. She said her son, Ricardo Manuel Baldazo, was inside taking a nap.

A man who said he was Baldazo's brother arrived at the scene and told police that Baldazo was inside the home, high, and armed with hand guns.

A short time later, gunshots were heard from inside the home and police took cover.

Several bullets struck branches of trees "very near" two Burnsville police officers at the scene, according to investigators. A man was later seen jumping from a window while holding a handgun in each hand, the criminal complaint states.

The man, later identified as Baldazo, was told to drop the weapons and he followed the order, police said. He was arrested just after 4 p.m.

A search was conducted inside the home and officers saw numerous holes in the walls, consistent with being caused by a bullet. Spent casings and two live rounds were also found inside the home.

The woman told police that Baldazo had come home at 4 a.m. because he got into a fight with his girlfriend.

"This was an extremely dangerous situation that almost resulted in two officers being shot and could easily have harmed other officers and innocent bystanders as well," Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom said in a news release.

"I am thankful that no one, including the Defendant, was injured in this incident of gun violence. I wish to extend my best wishes to the officers who were almost shot as they recover from this terrifying experience."

Baldazo made his first appearance in court Friday and bail was set at $1,000,000 without conditions and $750,000 with conditions. His next court appearance is set for Sept. 25.