Larry D. Alstead dies in fatal Paynesville police-involved shooting
Fatal Paynesville shooting death of Larry D. Alstead – Obituary
Larry D. Alstead, an 80-year-old retired Minnesota state trooper, died Monday night during a confrontation with law enforcement at his residence in Paynesville, Minnesota. According to state investigators, Alstead sustained multiple gunshot wounds but ultimately died from a self-inflicted gunshot.
Authorities responded to a call about a domestic incident just after 9 p.m. at a home on the 600 block of Stearns Avenue. Upon arrival, officers encountered a woman who showed signs of physical assault. She informed them that Alstead had attacked her and was in the basement armed with a handgun.
As officers attempted to arrest Alstead when he appeared at the base of the stairs holding a firearm, Sgt. Paul Orvis of the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office discharged his weapon twice. Alstead then fired a shot that was determined to be self-inflicted. Despite efforts by officers to provide medical assistance, Alstead died at the scene.
The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension confirmed that a handgun and spent shell casings were recovered, and all involved officers were equipped with body cameras. Sgt. Orvis has been placed on critical incident leave as the investigation continues. Once complete, the case will be reviewed by the Stearns County Attorney’s Office.
Alstead had served 32 years with the Minnesota State Patrol before retiring in 1999 and had been stationed in Paynesville for the majority of his career. He was also a U.S. Navy veteran who grew up near Evansville, Minnesota.
