Four men arrested for invading Willmar, Minn., home, shooting at officer

WILLMAR, Minn. -- Four men are being held in the Kandiyohi County Jail pending charges stemming from a Wednesday afternoon home invasion that escalated into the men firing shots at a Willmar police officer.

According to a news release from Willmar Police Chief David Wyffels, the four are Leroy Diaz Evans, 26, Adrian Salinas, 19, Arcadio Salinas, 23, all of Willmar, and Jesus Trevino, 33, of Arizona.

Police officers were called around 4:40 p.m. Wednesday. A person reported that two Hispanic men had entered a home brandishing handguns. The suspects reportedly were looking for someone. Both suspects left just prior to police arrival.

Police were called back to the same location around 6:50 p.m. on a report that the suspects were back and this time they were wearing masks. An occupant of the home had been struck on the side of the head with the butt of a handgun.

An officer arriving at the scene spotted one person running from the home toward a car parked in a nearby lot. As the officer was pulling into the lot, multiple shots were fired at the officer. Three additional suspects were in the car.

The men fled on foot while their vehicle was moving across the parking lot. The bullets struck the squad car, an occupied home in the neighborhood and a nearby stop sign.

Officers did not return fire on the men but gave chase on foot. All four were quickly apprehended and taken to jail.

Three handguns, including semi-auto 9mm and .45 caliber pistols and a .357 revolver were recovered from the men.

The victim of the assault at the residence was taken to Rice Memorial Hospital for medical attention. No officers were hurt. One of the suspects was taken to Rice Hospital to check a medical complaint before he was taken to the jail.

The West Central Tribune in Willmar, Minn., is owned by Forum Communications Co.