Sheriff: Blown Tire Likely Culprit Of 'Gunshot' Heard Inside Stearns Co. LEC

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Stearns County Sheriff's Office now knows what was likely behind the reported gunshot noise that briefly locked down the law enforcement center (LEC) and county jail – a blown bicycle tire.

On Saturday afternoon, several Stearns County employees -- including three deputies -- were inside the LEC when they heard what sounded like a gunshot. The LEC was then locked down, including the jail.

After a complete search, nothing suspicious was found and the source of the sound was not identified. The lockdown was then lifted.

Then, on Monday, the sheriff's office learned that the noise was most likely caused by a blown bike tire – owned by a part-time employee. The tire blew with enough force to bend the tire rim slightly. The bike was parked inside a hallway at the LEC.