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A Benton County judge last week sentenced a Glendorado man to more than 76 years in prison for a shooting in 2023 that injured five members of the Sherburne County Drug Task Force, said Sheriff Joel Brott.

Karl Thomas Holmberg, 66, had previously been convicted of seven counts of attempted murder of a police officer and assault and drug charges. Benton County District Court Judge Robert Raupp sentenced Holmberg to 918 months in prison.

“We are grateful for the judge’s sentence, which ensures that the defendant won’t be able to perpetuate this type of reckless violence again,” Brott said.

Members of the Sherburne County Drug Task Force in October 2023 went to a home in Glendorado Township with a narcotics search warrant. After knocking and announcing they had a warrant, Task Force members entered Holmberg’s residence. Holmberg immediately began firing gunshots at Task Force members, hitting five officers.

They left the home and called negotiators, who hours later convinced Holmberg to come outside. One of the officers shot during the incident was hospitalized for his injuries. Other officers were spared significant injuries because they were wearing body armor.

“This incident highlights the potential dangers law enforcement officers face every day,” Brott said. “We are extremely fortunate that the injuries sustained by these brave officers were not more serious.”

Sherburne County Drug Task Force is comprised of deputies from Sherburne County and officers from the Elk River and Princeton police departments. Benton County deputies assisted with the execution of the initial warrant.