Man Shot by Officers in Morrison County

Gordon Wheeler, Sr.--owner of adult businesses, is dead following a stand-off with police. The 60-year-old Wheeler brandished a gun around 10 o'clock Tuesday morning during the regular meeting of the Morrison county Commissioners at the Morrison County Government Center in downtown Little Falls. The hostage stand-off ended with the Little Falls man being shot and fatally injured by law enforcement officers. No one else was injured in the incident. Little Falls' Mayor Cathy Vanrisseghem explained that her role, right now, is to be a spokesperson for the town, and field any media calls that may come in. She confirmed that it appeared that Wheeler acted alone. Wheeler's motive was unclear, although it is known that he feuded with the county board a number of times regarding zoning--and liquor licenses. Wheeler's businesses have since been closed. Wheeler had sued the county and several of the county officials, accusing them of corruption. The last of the lawsuits was dismissed by a judge this year. State Patrol Trooper Kaj Meinhardt and Morrison County Sheriff's Lieutenant Bruce Mose are on administrative leave, per standard procedure. The Morrison County Sheriff's Office reported today that the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is expected in Little Falls today, and that further information would be available later today. Wheeler's funeral arrangements are pending with Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service of Little Falls.