CHARGES: Man Shot at Car, Hit Woman & Nearly Missed Kids

Jun 10

A Minneapolis man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly opening fire on a car carrying five people—including two young children—and shooting a woman in the face.

According to the criminal complaint, 28-year-old Thomas John Jones is charged with six felony counts, including five counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of firearm possession by a prohibited person.

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The charges stem from a shooting that occurred on May 19 in the area of 2400 4th Street North in Minneapolis.

Police say a ShotSpotter activation alerted officers to gunfire, and nine .45 caliber shell casings were recovered from the scene along with damage to nearby buildings. Around the same time, a woman arrived at North Memorial with a gunshot wound to the center of her face. The bullet fractured her nose, damaged her sinuses, broke her orbital bone and caused a small brain bleed.

The woman told officers that she and several others were driving on 4th Street when Jones, whom she recognized, stepped into the street and began firing into their car. As the driver reversed to flee, she was struck in the face.

The vehicle was occupied by five people—three adults and two children, ages 4 and 7. One of the occupants told police they had just arrived in the area to pick up mail when Jones started shooting, firing at least five rounds into the vehicle. Investigators found bullet holes in the front windshield, driver’s headrest, and rear window. A fired projectile was also recovered from the driver’s seat.

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Jones was later taken into custody after police located his vehicle. During a recorded statement, Jones initially denied involvement but changed his story when confronted with surveillance video. He admitted to firing a gun at the car, referencing an altercation involving his younger brother and one of the vehicle’s occupants the day before. He told police he discarded the firearm after the shooting.

Jones has two recent felony convictions that prohibit him from possessing firearms, including a March 2025 conviction for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Prosecutors say this latest incident occurred just two months after his previous conviction for which he received only probation for his sentence.

He remains in custody on $200,000 bail with conditions, or $250,000 without. Conditions include electronic monitoring, no contact with victims, abstaining from alcohol and drugs, random testing, and remaining in Minnesota unless approved by the court.

Jones faces 10 years in prison if convicted. The investigation remains active and police say additional charges are possible pending review of the woman’s medical records.

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