Shortly after 4:20 a.m. on November 23, 2025, a quiet South St. Cloud neighborhood was jolted awake by the sound of gunfire, prompting an immediate response from local law enforcement. Officers were dispatched to the 800-block of 8th Avenue South, a mixed residential and commercial area near St. Cloud State University. Upon arrival, authorities discovered two victims suffering serious injuries. A 44-year-old St. Cloud resident had been shot twice, while a 55-year-old individual who intervened during the altercation sustained blunt-force trauma. Both were transported to a nearby hospital, where medical staff confirmed their injuries were serious but not life-threatening, offering some relief to the shocked community. Residents described waking to chaos: shouting, sirens, and flashing lights disrupted what is typically a calm, early-morning environment.

Law enforcement quickly secured the area and began an immediate investigation. Shell casings were recovered at the scene, along with a handgun believed to be the weapon used in the shooting. During the initial response, officers pursued a suspect fleeing on foot, culminating in the arrest of 31-year-old Austin Gerads, a St. Cloud resident. Authorities credited the swift apprehension to coordinated policing efforts, witness cooperation, neighborhood canvassing, and rapid review of surveillance footage. Police confirmed the suspect was taken into custody without further incident and emphasized there was no ongoing threat to local residents. The prompt response underscored the efficiency of local emergency protocols and the commitment of law enforcement to protecting the community.

The incident unfolded in a neighborhood where student and residential life often intersect, amplifying its impact on the community. Witnesses reported being awakened by raised voices, followed by gunfire and hurried footsteps. Multiple patrol cars quickly flooded the area, with officers cordoning off the block using yellow tape to restrict pedestrian and vehicle access. Neighbors described the surreal nature of the early-morning chaos, noting that the usual calm of 8th Avenue South was shattered. For many, the visual of officers shouting commands while a suspect fled left a lasting impression, highlighting both the unpredictability of violent incidents and the critical role of rapid response in maintaining public safety.

Following the initial response, a multi-agency investigation was launched. Detectives from the St. Cloud Police Department worked alongside the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to conduct a thorough examination of the scene. Investigators photographed and cataloged evidence, recovered the firearm, and performed meticulous sweeps of the surrounding area. The interior and exterior of the associated building were scrutinized for trace evidence, while detectives canvassed nearby residences. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a dispute immediately preceding the shooting, followed by the suspect fleeing the scene. Investigators began piecing together a timeline using both physical and digital evidence, including surveillance footage and phone records, to determine motive and sequence of events.

Police Chief Jonathan Romanow addressed the public later that morning, confirming the arrest of Gerads and assuring residents that the victims were expected to recover. He emphasized that law enforcement had recovered the suspected weapon and considered the situation contained, with no active threat to the community. Preliminary findings indicated that at least one of the victims was known to the suspect, suggesting the altercation may have been personal rather than random. Forensic experts later confirmed that ballistic markings on the handgun matched the shell casings at the scene, reinforcing the evidence chain and aiding investigators in reconstructing the confrontation. Authorities continued their work to understand the full context and ensure accountability.

Gerads was formally charged with two counts of first-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and felony possession of a handgun without a permit. Under Minnesota law, first-degree assault carries significant prison time if convicted. He was booked into the Stearns County Jail and held without bail pending a preliminary hearing. City officials, including Mayor Dave Kleis, urged the community to remain calm and cooperate with investigators while additional patrols were deployed to reassure residents. St. Cloud State University reminded students and staff of available safety resources. As normalcy gradually returned to the neighborhood, discussions about early-morning confrontations, firearm access, and community safety intensified, leaving residents reflecting on how quickly routine life had been disrupted and the ongoing need for vigilance and preventive measures in local neighborhoods.