In a rapid burst of violence Thursday night, three people were shot in three different Minneapolis neighborhoods within roughly 20 minutes, according to police. Each victim survived with injuries described as non-life-threatening, but the quick succession of calls sent officers scrambling across the city as investigators tried to keep up.
The first shooting was reported at 6:29 p.m. on the 400 block of Taylor Street NE, followed by a 6:36 p.m. call from the 2000 block of West River Road North and a 6:46 p.m. report from the 800 block of Franklin Avenue E. A 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS photographer at the West River Road scene captured crime-scene tape, a shattered apartment window and a cluster of evidence markers, while forensic teams worked the Taylor Street site and neighbors watched patrol cars roll through. Detectives had not released additional details on what led up to the violence as they continued processing the scenes, according to KSTP.
Police response
Minneapolis police told reporters that the three shootings “are not related” and emphasized that all of the victims were expected to survive. Officers canvassed surrounding blocks, knocked on doors, looked for surveillance cameras and gathered physical evidence as part of the follow-up. Investigators had not announced any arrests as of Thursday night, according to KSTP.
Local context
The cluster of incidents lands as Minneapolis and state leaders continue wrestling with gun violence after several high-profile episodes last year, including the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School that spurred fresh legislative proposals, according to MPR News. Late-night incidents have also remained a stubborn problem in busy areas of the city; earlier this month, for example, Two Women Shot Near Riverside highlighted how gunfire continues to rattle commercial corridors even as community groups push for more preventive strategies.
How to help investigators
Police have not released any suspect descriptions from Thursday night’s shootings and are asking for the public’s help. Residents with information, video or tips are urged to contact investigators directly. The city’s public information page lists a police tip email and a CrimeStoppers hotline for anonymous information, according to City of Minneapolis.
