Paynesville Man Charged with Shooting at Police Officers

(Learfield News/Paynesville, MN) — A Paynesville man, 58-year-old Nicholas James Kaufenberg, has been charged with eight counts related to a standoff with police, including six counts of felony 1st-degree assault against an officer and two misdemeanor domestic assault charges.

The situation began when a woman in the home was confronted by Kaufenberg, who yelled at her and pushed her against a wall.

After she called the police and left the house, a standoff ensued.

Kaufenberg allegedly threatened officers, claiming he had guns and stating that their arrival would result in trouble.

Authorities cut power to the house and deployed tear gas.

During the standoff, Kaufenberg reportedly fired two or three shotgun rounds at officers, hitting one of the officer’s safety glasses.