A Minneapolis man is facing multiple charges after law enforcement officers observed him engaging in a narcotics transaction and fleeing from police.
The incident occurred on May 26, 2026, at the intersection of Cedar Avenue and 24th Street.
Elijah James Buckanaga, 23, of Minneapolis, faces charges of possessing a firearm after being convicted of a violent crime, possessing over 25 grams of narcotics, selling narcotics within a 90-day period, and fleeing a peace officer by means other than a motor vehicle.
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According to the complaint, officers with the Metro Transit Police Department were monitoring the area due to its reputation for narcotics activity when they noticed Buckanaga. Upon approaching him and informing him of his arrest, he fled on foot while reaching for a cross-body bag. Officers managed to apprehend him and seized the bag, during which Buckanaga reportedly yelled, “Mom! I’m going to jail! They found the gun!”
Inside the bag, officers discovered various narcotics weighing 46.13 grams, which tested positive for methamphetamine. They also found a loaded 9mm firearm with an extended magazine on Buckanaga’s person. The firearm was identified as a “kit gun,” meaning it did not have a serial number. Additionally, Buckanaga had $624.83 in cash on him at the time of his arrest.
Buckanaga is not currently in custody. A court date has not yet been set. The complaint notes that Buckanaga has a prior conviction for felony domestic assault, which prohibits him from possessing a firearm. This conviction was from a case sentenced on December 19, 2022.
