Juveniles Blamed In Spike Of Violent Minneapolis Robberies

MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis police officers Monday pursued and arrested three male juveniles believed to be responsible for an armed robbery earlier that morning.

Investigators are now trying to determine if the three suspects are involved in a rash of violent robberies that occurred late last week and over the weekend.

There were 46 violent crimes this past week and weekend in Minneapolis, and 70 percent of those crimes were robberies, according to police data.

Overall in 2024, robberies are up 40 percent from a year ago across Minneapolis.

Police Chief Brian O’Hara said that many of the robberies involve groups of juveniles and he has redeployed resources to address the sudden spike.

"Today’s arrest is the direct result of our focused efforts to stop this senseless violence," said O’Hara in a statement.

"Our officers, investigators and special units will remain vigilant and committed to finding those responsible, however, we also need the entire criminal justice system to do its part to hold these individuals accountable."

Monday's robbery

At about 1:15 p.m. Monday, officers on patrol identified two vehicles involved in an armed robbery on the 500 block of West 43rd Street earlier in the day, according to investigators.

The stolen white Kias were in Northeast Minneapolis speeding toward the Lowry Avenue Bridge, police said.

Officers pursued the second Kia, a Sportage, through North Minneapolis until it crashed into a vehicle at the intersection of North Penn Avenue and Plymouth Avenue North, according to authorities.

Officers quickly arrested three male juveniles, who fled from the crashed Kia. Police recovered a handgun. The other Kia has not been located.

No injuries were reported, police said.

Rash of robberies

Since Thursday. there have been at least 36 robberies or carjackings, most of which involved victims being approached by groups of up to 10 people between the ages of 15 and 20, mostly male.

Guns were present in most of the robberies, according to investigators. Robbers took purses, wallets, phones, cash, and in a couple of cases, the victim's car, according to authorities.

"If you are approached by an armed individual or group of individuals who demand your valuables, focus on as many details as possible," police said.

"Important details are license plate numbers, vehicle description, height, weight, sex, race, hair color, and hairstyle of individual suspects, clothing descriptions of suspects, and the number of suspects with their direction of travel. Call 911 as soon as you are able. If your credit or debit cards are stolen, cancel them by phone as soon as possible and note any usage after the theft."

If you see someone being robbed, call 911 immediately and provide as much detailed information as possible, police said.