On the evening of January 8, 2024, a violent encounter disrupted the peace in the small town of Cloquet, Minnesota. The incident occurred at the Super 8 motel, situated on Big Lake Road near Highway 33.

Responding to reports of an active shooter, the Cloquet Police Department arrived at the scene around 6:30 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.

Shellby Trettel, a 22-year-old woman and employee at the motel, was located near the front desk. Trettel was quickly transported to St. Luke’s Hospital, but, unfortunately, succumbed to her injuries.

In the motel’s parking lot, authorities discovered a 35-year-old man from Deer River, a guest staying at the motel, dead in a vehicle. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

A 32-year-old Ramsey man, believed to be the shooter, was found dead outside the motel premises. It appears he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, with a firearm found nearby.

After reviewing the motel’s surveillance footage, officers confirmed this individual as the suspect. During the unfolding situation, local residents were advised to shelter in place for their safety.

Residents were further instructed to secure themselves by locking all doors and windows, remaining quiet, and dialing 911 if they noticed any suspicious activity.

By 8 p.m., the area was declared secure by the police. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office verified the tragic outcome of the incident: two victims and the alleged shooter were deceased.

The investigation has since been handed over to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Cloquet Police. As of now, the motive behind the incident remains unclear.