Minneapolis Police Officer Shot and Wounded in Apparent Ambush, Four Suspects Arrested
A Minneapolis police officer was shot and wounded in what appears to be an ambush while pursuing a robbery suspect on Friday night. The incident took place on the city’s North Side, when the officer was driving an unmarked car. Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated that the officer was struck in the back of the shoulder by automatic gunfire. However, he is in stable condition at North Memorial Health.
During a late-night news conference, O’Hara expressed gratitude that the officer survived the ordeal. He highlighted the courage and bravery exhibited by officers who face challenging situations daily to protect strangers. Four suspects, including a teenage boy, were later apprehended, and investigators recovered a firearm from the scene.
Here’s how the events unfolded according to O’Hara: Officers noticed a white Chevrolet Equinox in the vicinity of a recent robbery, prompting them to attempt a traffic stop. The vehicle initially complied but subsequently fled. Approximately an hour later, a patrol officer in an unmarked vehicle spotted the same Chevy and began pursuing it, believing he was undetected while calling for backup. At 9:16 p.m., the pursuing officer was ambushed by a volley of automatic gunfire on Colfax Avenue N. The squad car was struck by six bullets, and one hit the officer in the shoulder.
The officer managed to drive further and was rescued by a backup officer who rushed him to the hospital. Meanwhile, other officers located the suspect vehicle in another area. A pursuit ensued, with assistance from Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, resulting in a crash at the intersection of 21st and Upton avenues N. All four suspects were arrested, and it was reported that the males sustained minor injuries.
Multiple crime scenes were cordoned off for investigation purposes. Forensic analysts meticulously collected evidence, including spent bullet casings. The damaged Chevy Equinox, with its airbags deployed and doors open, remained at the crash site.
O’Hara acknowledged the shock the ambushed officer experienced, emphasizing that the location was ideal for an ambush due to its layout. The injured officer is a member of the Fourth Precinct Community Response Team, but his identity was not disclosed to the public. He was scheduled to be released in the early hours of Saturday morning, with fellow law enforcement officials waiting outside the hospital to honor him.
Alongside this incident, Minneapolis also witnessed other violent crimes on the same Friday night. A man in his 70s was fatally stabbed in what is believed to be a domestic homicide. Additionally, a shooting on the South Side left one person dead and four others injured. Authorities are currently investigating these separate incidents.
In conclusion, the Minneapolis police officer’s shooting and subsequent arrest of the four suspects have brought attention to the dangers law enforcement officers face daily. It highlights their bravery and the risks they undertake to ensure public safety. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of law enforcement and the importance of supporting those who protect and serve.
