Minneapolis faced a wave of juvenile crime on Sunday when groups of young perpetrators went on a robbery spree, attacking citizens and demanding their belongings; three of these brazen delinquents have now been nabbed by the authorities. According to a bulletin released by the Minneapolis Police Department, suspects believed to be between 3-5 in number, threatened harm and in several instances wielded a handgun to coerce victims into surrendering purses, cash, phones, and even cars.
The onslaught of thefts spanned across various neighborhoods, with 16 reported incidents, and 9 involving firearms to intimidate victims, the robbery and carjackings ranged from the morning hours into the night, with locations disseminated from Lake St W and Lyndale Av S to the 3300 Block of Garfield Av. During a rapid police response at around 9:25 p.m., a black Mazda CX5, implicated in the crimes, was spotted speeding across the Lowry bridge, followed soon by a gray Mazda carjacked moments before, the chase drawing in resources including a State Patrol helicopter and a Minneapolis Police Department drone.
After a high-speed chase and a foot pursuit, a 17-year-old suspect was caught hiding beneath a vehicle in the 1700 block of Newton Ave. N. This juvenile was taken into custody and a handgun was recovered, amidst gratitude expressed by the MPD for the assistance from the Minnesota State Patrol, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Metro Transit Police. The second vehicle ended its run with a crash and rollover on Sheridan Ave. N and W Farwell Ave, led to the arrest of two more juveniles, ages 17 and 14, after they were medically cleared for non-life-threatening injuries sustained during the wreck, police hinting that at least two more culprits remain at large with their investigation ongoing.
Authorities are pressing for community vigilance, urging residents to report any suspicious activities to 911 immediately, especially in reference to groups of juveniles cycling in and around neighborhoods with stolen vehicles, which often precede the commissioning of their crimes. Chief Brian O’Hara, addressing the situation, fervently reminds the public that while possessions can be replaced, it is critical to note any distinguishable features such as clothing, vehicles, and even partial license plates which can be instrumental in aiding the apprehension of those still evading justice, watching the streets as sharply as the enforcers of the law.
