Hero Stops Shooter
Posted at: 03/08/2010 6:18 PM
| Updated at: 03/08/2010 10:48 PM
By: Renee Passal
Ryan Simonson is considered a hero by some in Chisholm. He helped take down the alleged gunman in Saturday's shooting at Jim's Sports Club Bar and Grill.
"I wasn't even thinking about myself. It was just weird. I don't know what provoked me. All these people were running out, but I ran in. My friends were in there. I saw the man struggling with the owner. I picked up a chair and kept hitting him, until he was down and not getting up," Simonson said.
He was still shaken up about the situation on Monday. His friend, Ed Walberg, suffered fatal wounds.
"He was such a great guy, wouldn't hurt a fly," Simonson said.
Another friend, Cale Nelson, was also shot. Simonson cradled Nelson in his arms until help arrived.
"I just told him to keep holding on," Simonson remembers. "Life is precious, and I hope the families know our love is with them."
One victim, Larry Elj, suffered a minor gunshot wound to his arm. He was thankful for Simonson's quick actions.
Authorities said that the alleged gunman, a former police officer for Chisholm, had two handguns on him at the time.
There was an earlier fight involving the suspect and his ex-wife, which Simonson helped break up. He saw the suspect return to the bar through the back door, and moments later, heard the shots.
The suspect was treated for his injuries, and is now in the county jail in Hibbing. Charges are expected on Wednesday.
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