Man Accused of Firing Rifle at Bloomington Cops During Traffic Stop
BY MN CRIME STAFF
A Bloomington traffic stop last week turned into an exchange of gunfire that left a 21-year-old driver wounded and now facing six felony charges.
Police say the suspect, Joshua Rocha, refused to stop, ignored commands and opened fire on a squad car as three officers took cover.
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The incident began around 10:32 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3 when Bloomington officers tried to pull over a vehicle heading the wrong way. Police say Rocha, of Savage, continued westbound on Killebrew Drive at slow speeds and didn’t stop despite repeated attempts. Officers eventually brought the vehicle to a stop and several other officers arrived to assist.
Commands were given for Rocha to exit, but officers reported that he stayed inside and moved around the front seat. One of the officers saw what appeared to be a large assault-style rifle and alerted the others. Police say Rocha then fired several rounds at a squad where three officers had taken cover, according to court documents filed in Hennepin County.
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Photos later taken of Squad 885 showed bullet holes in the front and side of the vehicle near where the officers were positioned. Officers returned fire and struck Rocha in the hand before taking him into custody.
Detectives executed a search warrant on the vehicle and recovered an assault-style rifle from the front seat along with multiple shell casings scattered across the front passenger and driver compartments. Police say Rocha was the only person in the car. Officers provided medical aid at the scene before he was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center for further treatment.
PREVIOUSLY: Bloomington Police, Suspect Exchange Gunfire During Traffic Stop
Rocha is charged with three counts of second-degree attempted murder, each alleging he intended to cause the deaths of the three officers without premeditation. Each attempted murder count carries a maximum penalty of up to half of 40 years in prison. He is also charged with three counts of first-degree assault for allegedly using or attempting to use deadly force against each of the officers while they were carrying out their duties. Those charges carry maximum penalties of 20 years and a $30,000 fine with mandatory minimums tied to firearm use. A seventh assault charge was also listed in his custody records.
Rocha was booked into the Hennepin County Jail and is being held on $1,000,000 bail without conditions. Court records show his next hearing is set for Tuesday, Dec. 9.
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