A late-night clash inside a downtown St. Cloud bar spilled into the street early Thursday and escalated into gunfire, prompting police to shut down several blocks while they worked the scene. Investigators say one man opened fire on a vehicle as it pulled away, hitting the car but not the driver, and no injuries were reported. Both men involved were taken into custody as officers remained on site well into the morning.
Police say dispute started in Pennsylvania Avenue bar
According to WFTV, officers said the trouble began around closing time inside a Pennsylvania Avenue bar and then moved outside. As one man got into a vehicle to leave, the other man told police he felt threatened and fired several shots, striking the vehicle. Officers detained both men at the scene while detectives collected shell casings, looked for surveillance footage and interviewed witnesses.
Road closures tie up downtown traffic
Police shut down Pennsylvania Avenue between 11th Street and 12th Street, along with stretches of 11th and 12th between New York Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue, snarling traffic through the small downtown business strip for hours. Drivers were urged to steer clear of the area and use alternate routes. For official traffic notices and investigation updates, authorities directed the public to the St. Cloud Police Department page.
Two in custody as detectives sort out charges
Both men were taken into custody at the scene, and police said they will release their names and any potential charges as the investigation moves forward, WFTV reported. Detectives continued processing the area and urged anyone with video or additional information to contact investigators to help clarify exactly what led up to the shooting.
Why the incident is hitting a nerve
The bar shooting comes as the department is already under heightened scrutiny after a family filed a federal lawsuit over a December officer-involved shooting. Residents and business owners say concerns about downtown safety and police transparency are front and center as investigators work to close out the latest case.
