Authorities ID robbery suspect shot, killed in Superior

Superior police have identified the robbery suspect shot and killed on Friday afternoon as Luke Daniel Anderson, 34, of Duluth.

Anderson was shot by two officers, and he also fired a shot under his own chin, police said. An autopsy is scheduled to be conducted Sunday.

The Superior police officers who fired shots were identified as Sgt. William Lear and Officer Todd Carlson. Under department policy, they have been placed on administrative leave pending additional investigation.

Check back for updates on this story later today.

EARLIER STORY:

A suspect reportedly held a gun to a woman’s head to get her car keys, then led Superior police on a high-speed chase before raising his weapon against officers late Friday afternoon.

Two officers fired at the suspect and hit him, but he also fired a shot under his own chin and died at the scene, according to Superior Police Chief Charles LaGesse.

The identity of the victim hadn’t been confirmed as of 10 p.m. Friday.

LaGesse released that information about an incident that started to unfold about 4:44 p.m. Friday at the Walgreen’s store at 2015 Tower Ave. LaGesse said more information will be available at a noon news conference today.

According to police:

Shots were reported to have been fired at the store, but that report turned out to be false. Officers learned that a male had pointed a handgun at the head of a female customer in the parking lot and demanded the keys to her vehicle. He was unable to start the car and ran back to a vehicle that he had arrived in and fled the scene. Witnesses provided a description of the suspect’s vehicle.

Officers found the suspect driving in the area of North 18th Street and Washington Avenue in Billings Park.

Police attempted to stop the suspect but he sped away. They pursued him until he abandoned the car near Winter Street and Birch Avenue in northeastern Superior and ran.

Police confronted the suspect and said he didn’t comply with repeated orders to drop his weapon. As he approached the rear of the Downtown Mobile Home Park, 409 N. 12th St., he turned toward the officers while raising his weapon.

Officers fired multiple rounds at the suspect until he fell to the ground and dropped the handgun. The Superior Fire Department and Gold Cross Ambulance EMTs attempted life-saving measures at the scene, but the suspect died there.

Superior police and Douglas County sheriff’s evidence technicians processed the scene. The Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation has been called in to assist with the investigation.

LaGesse said the identities of the involved officers will not be released until they’ve had time to discuss the experience with their families.

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