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New Richmond, WI (KROC-AM News) - The man who was killed during an armed standoff with law enforcement in western Wisconsin over the weekend was an employee of the Minnesota Department of Corrections.

The Department issued a statement that indicated 42-year-old Tyler Abel and been working as a corrections officer in Stillwater State Prison for just over a year. Minnesota Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell also stated that Abel had switched careers after being employed in manufacturing for about 20 years.

"I’d like to extend my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the family of Corrections Officer Tyler Abel, whose death this weekend is both tragic and troubling,"

Minnesota Dept. of Corrections photo
Minnesota Dept. of Corrections photo
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The deadly incident occurred Saturday night at Abel's home near New Richmond, Wisconsin. The St. Croix County Sheriff's Office says officers were dispatched to the residence after receiving a call from his wife who told a dispatcher that he was "out of control" and was threatening to "bring his AR out.

St. Croix County Sheriff's Office
St. Croix County Sheriff's Office
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When officers arrived at the residence his wife had escaped from the house but his two children were inside. Officials say deputies were able to see Abel, who was armed with a hunting rifle, through a window and made attempts to talk with him.

The St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office statement says Abel eventually came out of the home with the rifle and confronted the officers, who opened fire and fatally wounded him. Abel was pronounced dead at the scene.

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