Charges: Man Bought Gun Used To Shoot New Hope Officers

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A Golden Valley man faces federal charges for allegedly buying guns for a man who shot two New Hope police officers.

The U.S. Attorney's Office says 42-year-old Michael Garant acted as a straw purchaser for Raymond Kmetz, who wasn't allowed to have a gun.

Last month, Kmetz shot at police at New Hope City Hall and was killed when officers returned fire. Two officers were injured.

Garant is charged with making a false statement to acquire firearms for another person. It wasn't immediately clear if he had an attorney.

Court documents say Kmetz won three shotguns in an online auction, but Garant bought the firearms for him.

Prosecutors say a background check on Garant was clear because he lied when he said he was buying the guns for himself.