A 38-year-old man who tried to stop suspects during an attempted car theft in south Minneapolis has died from his injuries, according to Minneapolis police. Officers found him unconscious in the street with a severe head injury on May 15 in the 5400 block of 43rd Avenue South, and the case is now being treated as a homicide. His death, confirmed to police days later, has left family and neighbors reeling.
What police say
Officers were dispatched to the 5400 block of 43rd Avenue South around 1:35 p.m. on May 15, where they found the man unresponsive after he had been thrown from a vehicle, according to FOX 9. Investigators say he had confronted two people attempting to steal his car. The suspects ditched the vehicle they were targeting, ran to a different car and sped off erratically. The victim was taken by ambulance with life-threatening injuries, and police say they were notified on May 17 that he had died.
Chief's statement
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara called the case devastating and said the "reckless disregard for the value of human life shown in this case is horrifying," adding that those responsible should face the fullest prosecution, as reported by KSTP. Police say the suspects had fled before officers arrived, and that there had been no arrests at that point.
A larger pattern
The killing comes amid an ongoing surge in auto thefts and carjackings in Minneapolis. More than 2,000 vehicles have been reported stolen in the city so far this year, about 400 more than at the same time in 2025, CBS Minnesota reports. The spike has fueled a simmering debate between law enforcement and prosecutors over how to balance prevention, diversion programs and prosecution strategies aimed at curbing youth auto thefts.
Investigation ongoing
Minneapolis homicide investigators are collecting evidence and working leads as they build the case, according to FOX 9. Detectives say they are following up on witness tips and reviewing available video in an effort to identify the people involved.
The man’s death underscores what residents and officials say are growing risks tied to a rise in vehicle thefts and related crimes in recent months. Anyone with information is urged to contact Minneapolis police.
