MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis police arrested two juveniles connected to a series of linked carjackings Monday evening. They detained two adults in a separate armed carjacking early Tuesday, according to Chief Brian O’Hara.
“These incidents that occurred yesterday and early this morning are all disturbing,” O’Hara said. “But they also demonstrate the effectiveness, coordinated efforts, and the commitment of the police officers who responded urgently to apprehend these violent offenders.”
Police said the first string of incidents occurred between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Nov. 10 and involved three stolen vehicles: a red Subaru Outback, a gray Subaru Legacy, and a white Volkswagen Atlas. The Outback was first reported stolen from outside 1600 1st Avenue South, where the owner believed the key fob may have been left inside. Witnesses later reported the exact vehicle driving recklessly near 1801 James Avenue North, with juveniles wearing medical masks inside.
Around 5:15 p.m., a woman near 635 Elwood Avenue North told officers that a male suspect exited the red Subaru, jumped into her car while she was placing her daughter in a car seat, and punched her in the head and face before fleeing. About an hour later, another woman reported that two males in a red Subaru attempted to rummage through her car on Hennepin Avenue before driving off.
Shortly after, a man at 1605 Hennepin Avenue reported that suspects arriving in a red Subaru Outback claimed to have a gun and ordered him out of his gray 2015 Subaru Legacy. The suspects fled in both vehicles, and the Legacy was later recovered in the Fifth Precinct.
At 7:57 p.m., City Council Member Jamal Osman was carjacked at Lake Street and Portland Avenue. Police said the suspects arrived in a blue-gray Subaru, threatened Osman with mace, and implied they had a firearm before stealing his white Volkswagen Atlas.
Officers soon spotted both the Atlas and the previously stolen Legacy traveling on Lake Street near Pillsbury Avenue. Both vehicles fled, striking several uninvolved cars. Two juveniles, ages 15 and 16, ran from the scene and were arrested after a brief chase. A replica firearm was recovered. The Legacy was found at the scene; the Atlas was recovered unoccupied later that night.
A second, unrelated carjacking occurred earlier that morning at the gas station at 2606 Penn Avenue North. Police said the victim reported being held at gunpoint by multiple suspects who arrived in a white Ford pickup before stealing his 2015 Kia Forte.
Using camera technology and license plate readers, officers tracked the stolen Forte and located it shortly before 2:40 a.m. on Nov. 11. The vehicle fled and crashed in Willard Park minutes later. Officers arrested the passenger at the scene and later located the driver with the help of an MPD K9 team. Both were booked into the Hennepin County Jail.
“Whether it is juveniles engaged in dangerous and reckless acts or adults committing armed carjackings, these violent crimes have serious impacts on our residents,” O’Hara said. “Because of the actions of our officers, four violent offenders have been taken into custody. We are thankful that no one was seriously injured.”
Mayor Jacob Frey, responding to the incident involving Osman, said, “I spoke with Council Member Osman last night to offer my support, and I’m grateful he’s okay.”
Police are asking anyone with information to contact MPD at policetips@minneapolismn.gov or 612-673-5845. Anonymous tips can be submitted through CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or CrimeStoppersMN.org.
