In a bid to clamp down on a recent surge in armed robberies, Minneapolis Police have arrested two suspects soon after a gunpoint heist in the city's north side. According to an official statement, the incident occurred around 9:30 pm on Tuesday, when officers swiftly zeroed in on the getaway vehicle, resulting in the apprehension of two 17-year-old males.
The pursuit began when officers spotted the car near Camden Av N and 46 Av N, in a moment that swiftly escalated as three suspects bolted on foot, abandoning their ride - and one juvenile male in the process. While one of these runners was subsequently caught, and later released, the remaining two gave the Slippery Elm Street to law enforcement officials. However, officers did recover two handguns from the scene.
The detained teens, who were already wanted on multiple warrants, have been booked for aggravated robbery and felony weapons charges. Notably, no injuries were sustained during the ordeal, as the city's law enforcement continues investigating whether these individuals are linked to other recent crimes.
In response to the uptick in such crimes, MPD Chief Brian O'Hara is cracking down with a new "Robbery Pattern Response Protocol," initiated on February 13. The strategy includes a direct notification to the chief if a flurry of robberies occurs, reallocating police resources to high-priority calls, and a temporary hold on responding to non-emergency situations. "Our officers’ commitment to the safety of Minneapolis residents is the number one priority," Chief O'Hara declared, adding that the department, "is doubling down on our efforts to apprehend any, and everyone responsible for this recent spike in robberies."
This heavy police response aligns with O'Hara's orders to intensify police visibility and search efforts in affected areas until the troublesome trend subsides. The MPD is set on bending the curve of these crimes, with top brass, including the Chief himself, taking an active role in ensuring the safety of Minneapolis communities.
