Winona active shooter alert was mistakenly sent to some residents

WINONA, Minnesota – An emergency alert intended for a specific area of ​​Winona caused confusion throughout the city Monday evening after multiple alert platforms sent out different messages, including one about an “active shooter.”

In a joint news release from Winona Police Chief Tom Williams and Winona County Sheriff Ron Ganrude, the intended warning was a “shelter in place” after a man allegedly assaulted an employee of a business in the 250 block of Junction Street just before 5:30 p.m. The suspect fled the scene, and due to the severity of the crime, police asked residents to seek shelter while police searched the area.

During the alert, police said, several alert platforms sent messages, including one platform not used by police that mistakenly sent a message about an active shooter. Officials say emergency alerts are sent by the Winona County Sheriff’s Office at the request of law enforcement agencies.

“We apologize for the confusion caused by the emergency alert systems in this case,” Williams and Ganrude said in their joint statement. “The Winona Police Department and the Winona County Sheriff’s Office are working together to identify areas for improvement. Ultimately, our goal is to provide the best public safety for all Winona residents.”

Officials said the victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries inside the store and the suspect was eventually taken into custody.

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