SOUTH ST. PAUL, Minn. - The suspect accused of shooting two South St. Paul police officers Thursday is now charged with attempted murder in the case.
Dustin Allen Bilderback, 33, of South St. Paul, is charged with two counts of first-degree attempted murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder in the shooting.
According to the criminal charges, Bilderback was scheduled to meet with a mental health case worker at the group housing facility where he lived at 11 a.m. When he was late for his appointment, the group home staff conducted a health and safety check and noticed some items were missing from his unit.
Charges say Bilderback was on provisional discharge from the St. Peter Security Hospital, after he was committed as mentally ill and dangerous.
Around 12:28 p.m., a missing person report was filed for Bilderback. Officers were dispatched to the group housing facility to conduct a welfare check, however Bilderback returned before they arrived.
When Bilderback came back to the housing unit, he and a case worker met and Bilderback voiced his concern about the police coming, saying he didn't want to go back to the hospital.
When they left the group home, three officers from South St. Paul Police arrived and spoke to the case worker about putting Bilderback on a 72-hour mental health hold.
At this time, Bilderback walked to his vehicle, pulled out a shotgun and began firing at an officer.
That officer was hit on the left side of his back, neck and arm. Another officer arrived on scene and Bilderback continued to fire his weapon, hitting him in the leg.
Bilderback fired his weapon six times, according to the charges. The shotgun was a break action shotgun and required him to reload for each shot he fired.
Two of the officers returned fire but did not hit Bilderback. He was ordered to drop his weapon and was placed under arrest.
The group housing facility in South St. Paul where Bilderback lived released a statement saying he became "aggressive and dangerous" after finding out his lease was being terminated.
The company, Everyday Living, stated in a press release that Bilderback kept a hidden firearm in the trunk of his vehicle.
He was one of eight tenants in the building, where he also received independent living services.
RELATED: 2 officers shot in South St. Paul
"Everyday Living is extremely saddened by the unexpected events that took place yesterday. Our thoughts are with the officers who were injured and their families and we’re hopeful for their fast recovery. We express our sincere appreciation for all of the officers and emergency professionals who quickly responded to our 911 call," the statement begins.
The situation developed around 1 p.m. Thursday at an address on the 500 block of 12th Avenue North. An altercation ensued and gunshots were exchanged.
Both officers fired their weapons but no one was struck.
On Friday evening, residents were invited to participate in "Salute the SSP PD," an event aimed to show support for local law enforcement and thank them for their efforts.
The event starts at 5:45 p.m. in front of City Hall. Participants are asked to wear blue and bring a thank you card or handwritten note. More information can be found here.
The South St. Paul Police Officers involved in the shooting have been identified as Officer Dennis Brom, Officer Julie Bishop, Officer Todd Waters, and Officer Derek Kruse, according to South St. Paul Police Department's Facebook page.
Police say three of the four officers sustained injuries requiring "varying levels of medical attention." Officers Waters and Kruse were struck by gunfire, while Officer Bishop suffered injuries but not associated with the gun shots.
After being fired upon, Officers Brom and Officer Kruse shot back at Bilderback but did not hit him, according to South St. Paul Police Department.