A group of masked men robbed a man at gunpoint as he walked with his family near Lake Street and 5th Avenue South in Minneapolis early Monday morning, then fled in a stolen Dodge Charger before leading police on a high-speed chase through city streets and Powderhorn Park, according to charges.
The robbery happened at about 2:38 a.m. on August 3. Minneapolis police responded to the area after the victim and his family were confronted by four to five males dressed in all black sweatshirts and ski masks. One of the suspects called the victim by name and held him at gunpoint.
The victim told officers he recognized one of the suspects as an old friend known as “DiDi” by his eyes, but did not know his real name. The suspects pistol whipped the victim on the right side of his face, punched him twice on the left side and stole his wallet, chain and cell phone before fleeing in a black or dark grey Dodge Charger.
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The victim’s girlfriend recorded the robbery on her phone. The video showed several tall, slim men in black jeans, sweatshirts and ski masks pinning the victim against a wall and going through his pockets. Police observed each suspect holding a black handgun by their side. While officers were still speaking with the victim, they heard tires screeching and saw the Charger driving toward them before turning away. Officers were told this was the suspect vehicle.
Other officers soon spotted the Charger near E 38th Street and 1st Avenue South. The vehicle ran a red light and fled from police, who received permission to pursue. The chase continued through multiple city streets, with the Charger running red lights and stop signs, driving in the wrong lanes and speeding through Powderhorn Park. The pursuit ended when the Charger crashed near E 37th Street and 5th Avenue South. Four occupants ran from the vehicle in different directions.
Officers chased the driver on foot and found a charger cable, ski mask, key fob and a necklace with a cross. A search of the Charger turned up a single live round of ammunition in the cup holder and an Army green firearm with a bright metallic green switch. The cross was valued at about $2,000. Police confirmed the Charger was stolen and that the driver did not have permission to take or drive it.
Daniel Jonathan Whitebull, 18, of Minneapolis, faces charges of aiding and abetting 1st-degree aggravated robbery, theft of a motor vehicle, obstructing legal process, aiding an offender to avoid arrest, two counts of receiving stolen property, aiding and abetting theft of movable property and fleeing police in a motor vehicle.
Court records note that Whitebull was in custody for this offense and is pending sentencing on a robbery charge. The state has requested high bail due to concerns for public safety.
The charges were filed Tuesday in Hennepin County District Court.
About This Charge
Minnesota distinguishes simple robbery (§ 609.24, up to 10 years) from aggravated robbery (§ 609.245), where a weapon or great bodily harm is alleged. First-degree aggravated robbery carries up to 20 years; second-degree up to 15. Carjacking is charged under § 609.247.
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Jurisdictional Context
Hennepin County is Minnesota’s most populous jurisdiction. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office handles felony prosecutions across Minneapolis and 45 surrounding cities; the Fourth Judicial District presides over felony arraignments and trials at the Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis.
