Minnesota Shooting Suspect Spotted: Witness Details Chilling Moment Before Capture

2025-06-17
Minnesota Shooting Suspect Spotted: Witness Details Chilling Moment Before Capture
ABC News

Green Isle, Minnesota – A harrowing account has emerged from a witness who spotted the suspect in the recent Minnesota shootings just hours before authorities apprehended him. Wendy Thomas, while speaking with her father on the phone Sunday night, recounted the chilling moment she observed a lone figure in a field near Green Isle, a small community grappling with the aftermath of a series of shootings that left several injured.

Thomas described the scene with remarkable clarity. “I was on the phone with my dad, and we were just chatting,” she explained. “I glanced out the window, and I noticed someone in the field. It was getting dark, but I could still make out a figure.” As she continued her conversation, she watched as the individual approached a culvert, a drainage pipe commonly found along roadways.

“I saw them reach the culvert and then squat down,” Thomas stated. “It just didn't seem right. Something about it felt off. I told my dad, and he suggested I call the authorities.” Acting on her instincts, Thomas promptly alerted law enforcement to the suspicious activity she had witnessed.

The suspect, later identified as Ryen Van Rossum, had been on the run following a shooting spree that began earlier that day. The incidents, which occurred in several locations across south-central Minnesota, left multiple people with injuries. Authorities have been tight-lipped about the motive behind the attacks, but the investigation is ongoing.

Thomas’s quick thinking and observant nature played a crucial role in bringing the suspect to justice. Her testimony provided valuable information to investigators, helping them narrow their search and ultimately leading to Van Rossum’s capture. “I’m just glad I could help,” Thomas said humbly. “I just hope everyone affected by this is able to heal.”

The community of Green Isle remains shaken by the events, but residents are expressing gratitude for the swift response of law enforcement and the courage of witnesses like Wendy Thomas. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and community awareness, even in the quietest of towns.

Ongoing Investigation: Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the shootings, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. They are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. The focus now shifts to understanding the events that led to the shootings and providing support to the victims and the community as a whole.

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