Late-Night Gunfire Leaves Man Dead in Minneapolis Alley

May 14

A man died early Wednesday after he was found with a gunshot wound in an alley in Minneapolis, according to police.

Officers from the 3rd Precinct were dispatched around 1:50 a.m. after a 911 caller reported finding a person down in the alley near 17th Avenue South and East Lake Street. The caller also reported hearing a gunshot about 20 minutes earlier.

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Responding officers located 29-year-old Michael Leonel Barreto, suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. They provided immediate medical aid before Barreto was transported by ambulance to Hennepin Healthcare, where he later died despite lifesaving efforts.

Minneapolis police confirmed that officers had also responded to a ShotSpotter activation at 1:20 a.m. on the 3000 block of 17th Avenue South but did not locate any evidence of gunfire at that time.

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The scene was secured and canvassed by investigators. MPD forensic scientists processed the alley for evidence.

“This man was left for dead in an alley. We cannot, and will not, stand by and tolerate this kind of violence in our city,” said Chief Brian O’Hara in a statement. He urged anyone with information to come forward.

No arrests have been made as of Wednesday morning. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner says Barreto died from a gunshot wound to the chest, and the manner of death is a homicide.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Minneapolis police at 612-673-5845 or email policetips@minneapolismn.gov. Anonymous tips can be submitted through CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or at www.CrimeStoppersMN.org. A reward may be available for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

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