A break-in at a downtown Duluth business turned violent early Sunday morning when a suspect shattered the glass door of the establishment and fired a weapon. The Duluth Police Department arrived at the scene on West Superior Street around 1:20 a.m. after receiving a report of a burglary, according to a statement. The officers found shell casings on the sidewalk and proceeded to clear the building, though they did not find the suspect inside.
Investigations led to the identification of 36-year-old James Ferry as the suspect, thanks to footage captured on nearby surveillance cameras. Ferry was later arrested with stolen items in his possession from the burglarized business. He is currently being held at St. Louis County Jail, with pending charges that include 1st Degree Burglary, Reckless Discharge of a Firearm, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
The incident has sparked further discussion around downtown security measures and the escalation of crime in areas that were once considered relatively safe. Officials have not provided additional details regarding the stolen items or the specific business targeted, but emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
While no injuries were reported at the time of the break-in, the presence of gunfire has exacerbated concerns among local business owners and residents. With the suspect now in custody, authorities are working to piece together the events that led up to the burglary and are looking into any potential affiliations or motives Ferry may have had. As the downtown community grapples with the fallout of this event, the Duluth Police Department has reassured the public that they are taking every measure to ensure safety and prevent future incidents of this nature.
