Two killed in Cottage Grove park shooting

Two people lay dead at Ravine Park in Cottage Grove early Wednesday morning after officers arrived to a report of gunfire. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the fatalities after deputies and local police reached the scene at approximately 6:11 a.m.

Investigators determined the two victims knew one another. The sheriff’s office stated the incident was not a random act of violence and that the public faces no current threat. A perimeter around the park was established immediately upon arrival to secure the area.

Authorities have not released the names of the deceased. In a statement, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office offered condolences to the families and the community, specifically noting the impact of domestic violence on those affected. The office did not provide further details on the relationship between the two individuals.

Ravine Park remains closed while investigators collect evidence from the site. The sheriff’s office has not indicated when the park will reopen to the public. Nearby facilities experienced varying levels of access during the day.

The Washington County Service Center stayed closed for the day. Cottage Grove City Hall and the HERO Center, however, have since reopened their doors. The closure of the service center aligns with the location of the shooting within the county’s jurisdiction.

Local organizations listed contact information for those seeking assistance with domestic violence. The National Domestic Violence Hotline reported that more than 12 million people in the United States are affected by domestic violence each year. Resources include the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 and Minnesota Day One at 866-223-1111.

Additional support lines are available through the Women’s Advocates crisis line at 651-227-8284 and Violence Free Minnesota at 800-289-6177. STANDPOINT offers legal advocacy at 612-343-9842, while Mending the Sacred Hoop is reachable at 888-305-1650. The Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault can be contacted at 612-209-9993.