2 arrested in apparent standoff in Appleton, sheriff says

Law enforcement say two people are in custody after an apparent standoff Friday in a southwestern Minnesota town.

The Swift County Sheriff's office says several agencies, including a SWAT team, were called Friday morning to the area of Highway 59 and East Reuss Avenue in Appleton on reports of gunfire.

"Two suspects" were "barricaded inside a vehicle," the sheriff's office announced on social media late Friday morning, dismissing rumors that federal immigration officers were involved in the situation.

Officials at the town's library say Mayor Justin Koepp had "closed all city buildings" due to "an ongoing threat within the community," and hospital officials say Appleton Area Health was put on lockdown.

A WCCO viewer submitted video showing people armed with long guns and tactical gear walking into a wooded area at the scene.  

Just before 2 p.m., the sheriff's announced two arrests, adding the "area is safe" and there was no longer any threat to the public.

Appleton is located about 150 miles west of the Twin Cities, and about 20 miles east of the South Dakota border.