A Minneapolis man struck another man with a handgun and then shot him multiple times on a downtown sidewalk, leaving the victim in critical condition, according to criminal charges.
Marcus Dewayne Aron, 29, faces charges of first-degree assault causing great bodily harm and possessing a firearm after a conviction for a crime of violence.
According to the complaint, police responded at about 11:30 a.m. on September 13 to a shooting at the intersection of South 7th Street and Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis. Officers found the victim lying on the sidewalk with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to the hospital and was reported to be in critical condition after being shot four or five times.
READ MORE → Hennepin County coverage
Officers recovered a black Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun and five discharged cartridge casings at the scene. Investigators reviewed surveillance video from Milestone cameras, which showed Aron and the victim in the area for about 15 minutes before the shooting. The video captured the victim walking toward Aron, who backed up and reached for his waistband. The victim appeared to walk past, but Aron suddenly lunged and tried to strike the victim in the head with the firearm.
The video showed the victim attempting to run away, but Aron held onto the victim’s sweatshirt, preventing escape. A physical fight broke out, and the firearm fell to the sidewalk. Aron picked up the gun, and a shot appeared to go off about three seconds later, with bystanders ducking for cover. Aron then ran from the scene but was located and arrested nearby.
After being advised of his rights, Aron told police he had known the victim since childhood and that they had argued a few months earlier. Aron said he saw the victim at the intersection, exchanged words and then struck the victim in the shoulder with his firearm before the fight and shooting. Aron admitted firing at the victim but did not claim the victim had a weapon.
Court records state Aron was convicted of felony domestic assault in February 2022, which prohibits him from possessing firearms or ammunition.
About This Charge
Minnesota classifies assault by degree under § 609.221 (first), § 609.222 (second), § 609.223 (third), § 609.2231 (fourth) and § 609.224 (fifth). First-degree assault, alleging great bodily harm, carries up to 20 years in prison. The lower degrees range from misdemeanor up to 10-year felony exposure depending on weapon use and harm.
Related MN CRIME Coverage
1 Charged After Man Shot Outside Northeast Minneapolis Bar • 1 Charged After Hopkins Argument Leads to Knife Threat • Minneapolis Man Charged After Knife Threat at Workplace
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.
