1 Dead, 2 Hurt in Halloween Night Shooting Near U of M Campus
Police and deputies block traffic in Dinkytown after the early Saturday morning shooting. MN CRIME PHOTO
One person died and two others were injured early Saturday in a shooting in Dinkytown, near the University of Minnesota campus.
Police said the incident began around 2:38 a.m. when an officer reported hearing two bursts of fully automatic gunfire near 13th Avenue Southeast and 5th Street Southeast.
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Minneapolis and University of Minnesota police officers working a late-night safety detail responded and found two people shot at the intersection. A third was located minutes later in an alley behind Frank and Andrea’s Pizzeria.
Officers provided CPR, tourniquets and other first aid before paramedics arrived. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two were taken to the hospital. Police said both survivors were initially listed in critical condition but are now expected to survive. One is a University of Minnesota student, officials confirmed midday Saturday.
Investigators recovered three firearms, including one found on the victim who died. Police are still working to determine who possessed the weapons and what led to the shooting. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said forensic teams were processing evidence, reviewing video and conducting interviews throughout the morning.
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The chief said one of the surviving victims is a juvenile around 17 years old and the identity of the person who died has not yet been confirmed, though it appears to be a teenager or young adult.
University officials issued two Dinkytown Alerts shortly after the shooting. One suspect was described as a man between 18 and 25 years old wearing a black sweatshirt with a white stripe, gray sweatpants, white socks and flip-flops. The second was described as wearing a black puffer jacket, dark pants, white shoes and with his hair tied back in a ponytail.
O’Hara said the area has seen ongoing problems with juveniles and people not connected to the university gathering near bars late at night, particularly on weekends. Officers had just cleared a disturbance at a nearby McDonald’s moments before the shooting.
Because of Halloween crowds, extra officers were already on duty citywide. O’Hara said the department plans to maintain increased patrols around the university and other nightlife areas as the investigation continues.
Authorities urged anyone with information about the shooting to contact police.
A crime scene tent marks where a victim was found behind the pizzeria. MN CRIME PHOTO
Dozens of squads fill the street as police investigate near the U of M campus. MN CRIME PHOTO
