Shooting In Minneapolis 3rd Precinct

The Minneapolis Police SAFE Unit has issued a release following a shooting in the previously-safe Kingfield neighborhood of Minneapolis:

I have received a number of inquiries about what was going on, on the 3900 block of 1st Ave S. in the Kingfield Neighborhood today.

This morning there was a shooting in the 3rd Precinct, at 4145 5th Av S. There was a possibility that the suspect from that shooting was staying on the 3900 block of 1st Av S. Officers and SWAT contained the area and did a search of the suspected address. The suspect was not at the address. One adult male was arrested for having a felony warrant, from 3900 1st Av S as a result of this incident.

Thanks

Tom Thompson
Crime Prevention Specialist

Minneapolis Police Department, 5th Precinct
3101 Nicollet Ave S,
Minneapolis, MN 55408

Apparently few details are forthcoming. Anyone hit? Victims? Suspect description?

Let us know, Mr. Thompson. The public can be extra eyes and ears.

Home Invasion: Violent Crime Coming To A Suburb Near You

KSTP Eyewitness News reports a gang of armed robbers pushed their way into a Maple Grove victim's home early this morning: "Maple Grove man's home invaded".

A Maple Grove man that said armed robbers invaded his home early Friday morning told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that he was held at gunpoint as armed robbers ravaged his home.

Caleb Thompson heard a knock at his door overnight and before he knew it, he was staring down the barrel of a gun.

"It was very scary, cause it was a big revolver," Thompson told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS. "I did hear the hammer click back when he pulled it out."

This is a big-time crime, and nearly impossible to defend against because the criminals have the advantage in surprise, numbers, and weaponry.

(Note: I will reserve some judgement on this story - oftentimes these cases turn out that the victims have had some prior dealings with the assailants. I have no reason to doubt this man, but one has to consider the possible alternative fact patterns) .

Police think that part of the reason that the robbers chose the location is because of easy access to the freeway. Thompson said the suspects used his credit cards at a White Castle about 30 minutes after attack.

Some neighbors had a tough time seeing police search their neighborhood with K-9s.

"Not in this neighborhood, it's just too close," said one neighbor.

Police are searching for five black males in their late teens or early 20s.

This is more description of the suspects than you get much of the time, but we need more. What are the physical characteristics, clothing, involved vehicle, etc?

Whatever the case may be, I hope they get these sewer rats and put them where they belong - in prison.

You've Got To Be Joking

The Minneapolis Southwest Journal crime blotter reveals stories you don't see in the larger MSM, like, for example, the Red Star. This particular crime blotter entry would be almost unbelieveable if it weren't Minneapolis:

May 25, 9 p.m., W. 31st St. and Humboldt Ave. S. Two unknown suspects allegedly tackled a 26-year-old woman and then tried to steal her purse. The victim hung on to the purse and started screaming for help. This caused the suspects to run from the scene without the purse.

"Tackled the woman"? This happened at 9 pm in a heavily populated area, and begs the question:

What kind of freak criminals are running wild in Minneapolis, and what is going on in Uptown?

Previously Unreported: Gang Stabbing At Southdale

Many of you may be familiar with the first-ring, wealthy Minneapolis suburb of Edina, which sits on the southwestern edge of Minneapolis. Among many other things, it's home to Southdale, a long-standing and very popular enclosed shopping mall that draws a million visitors per month.

Well, the Edina Police have just released crime statistics for the January to May period: Thefts are up 66% and disturbances are up 33% as compared with the same period last year.

That's not good, but it's not the most disturbing bit of news: A heretofore unreported gang stabbing occurred in the mall on May 13th, 2006.

This event has been lost in the larger MSM, but the story has been vastly more developed in the micro-local Edina version of the Sun Newspaper.

Here's the entirety of the KSTP Eyewitness News report: "Southdale under crime alert after thefts".

Shoppers at the first enclosed shopping center in the United States are now being advised to be on alert against theft.

Edina police say Southdale shopping center has experienced a significant increase in crime in the past year.

Police say there has been a 66 percent increase in theft and a 33 percent increase in disturbance calls.

The increases in theft occurred both in cars and in the mall.

Edina police are working to hire another officer to combat the crime.

And here's the Sun Newspaper link, which is significantly more detailed and includes information on the stabbing: "Number of police calls on rise at Edina's Southdale Center".

Fifty years after becoming the country's first fully enclosed shopping mall, Edina's Southdale Center is facing more challenges than just finding a new owner.

The number of theft and disturbance calls that the Edina Police Department received from Southdale Center between January and May are up compared to figures from 2005, according to Edina Police Chief Mike Siitari.

In addition, a gang-related stabbing at the mall last month was another sign that the area is different than it used to be, according to police.

At about 7:45 p.m. May 13, a group of people were walking up the stairs in the mall when they encountered a rival gang. Offensive words were exchanged and a 17-year-old boy was stabbed in the chest. He was taken to the hospital where he was treated for injuries and released, according to Lt. Jeff Long of the Edina Police Department.

More . . .

Now, I wouldn't go so far as to say Southdale is unsafe by any stretch of the imagination, but this incident is signficant. Because of the mall's proximity to Minneapolis, the gang activity could be the result of violent criminals expanding their territory to outlying areas. We've seen evidence of this in a previous story on Hopkins' soaring crime rate.

This is an example of how Minneapolis crime can affect us all. Those who live in the suburbs of Minneapolis should not get complacent, because Minneapolis' problems could be all of our problems.

State Troopers To Combat Crime In Minneapolis

Minneapolis will receive help from the Minnesota State Patrol in combatting crime. Check that; only the North Side will get the help. The rest of you are on your own.

I'm actually in agreement with neighborhood activist Jerry McAfee: Bringing Troopers in is a short term, band-aid solution. He also recognizes that a long-term plan has yet to be seen.

Now I might disagree with Mr. McAfee on what a long term plan might encompass, but since no plan has been proposed, we don't know at this point. Suppressing criminals is fine for the short run, but if you don't take them out of circulation for a long time or permanently, then there will be no peace.

Here's the KARE 11 article: "Troopers heading back to Minneapolis streets".

Minneapolis police will soon get help cracking down on crime on the city's north side. For the first time in three years the state patrol will be used to help keep an eye on urban streets.

It's a solution not everyone thinks will be the best way to help the community.

News of more officers on the streets of north Minneapolis isn't being greeted with cheers and smiles, "I don't care how many police you get you cannot police this area 24-7," complained the Reverend Jerry McAfee.

He's right, of course. But here's where we part company:

McAfee says the state needs to invest in the north side with better public services and schools.

The state already throws enormous amounts of money at the North Side (that is a story for another day), so I ask: How much is enough?

Throwing money at the community will not make hardened gangsters go straight. The criminal element needs to be taken off the streets and put into prison or be expelled from the area in one way or another.

There will be status quo until we get serious about cracking down on those who would destroy Minneapolis. The Troopers are a good, but temporary, start.

Hurry Up And Wait On Minneapolis 911

Given the current state of affairs in Minneapolis, it's becoming ever more clear that we are truly on our own. Not that there is anything wrong with the police, but they are in fact reactive to events. And based on the experience of one self-defense guru, Joel Rosenberg, you might want to consider your alternatives sooner rather than later:

How bad things have become, Part Whatever

Rambix, as I may have mentioned, has been covering the Minneapolis Quagmire better than anybody else (Ed. - Aw shucks...) -- which would shame the Star Tribune, if they had any shame; shouldn't the crime wave in Minneapolis be something they ought to be covering in breadth and depth?

Here's how bad things are: I called 911 yesterday, and it took the operator more than a minute to answer the phone.

A lot can happen in a minute. A lot more can happen in the double-digit minutes that the MPD averages in responding to high priority calls. (Lower priority calls take longer, and sometimes don't get answered.)

(Thanks for the concern, but it wasn't a personal safety crisis. I was taking my older daughter out to a promised Dad-and-kid dinner, and the car in front of us was driving so erratically that he had to be some combination of drunk and/or very stupid. I didn't think that the MPD was likely to respond, but if they happened to have a cruiser nearby needing a break from the catch-and-release stuff on Lake Street . . . )

In other words, folks, figure out how you are going to defend yourself and your family. You can call Joel himself, and he'll get you started. He literally wrote the book.

By the way, does anyone else have some less-than-stellar Minneapolis 911 experiences? Is this an ongoing issue? I expect 911 responses will vary depending on numerous factors, but on the other hand they do have strict standards.

(No, this is not a paid ad. Rambix receives the same royalties from Joel that he does for this blog = $0)

"Since the first of the year, there has been a 34 percent increase in aggravated assaults in Minneapolis"

"The numbers don't bode well for city leaders ... as they try to woo national democrats who will choose where the 2008 Democratic National Convention will be held. Delegates from the national committee arrived in Minneapolis on Sunday."

Kare 11 News provides a stunning report on the explosion of violence in Minneapolis this year, complete with previously unpublished details on the cluster of shootings Monday night: "Aggravated assaults in Minneapolis continue rising rapidly".

Three shootings in just over three hours in Minneapolis is perhaps the best illustration of the upward trend of aggravated assaults.

Since the first of the year, there has been a 34 percent increase in aggravated assaults in Minneapolis. More than 1,100 so far this year compared to about 800 this time last year. The sharp increase has meant much more gunfire said Lieutenant Greg Reinhardt, "This is becoming all too common."

At about 11:30 p.m. Monday, a 30-year-old woman pulled up in front of her house and her car was showered with gunfire. It happened in the 4500 block of Stevens Avenue South just off Interstate-35. The woman suffered two gunshot wounds to the chest. Despite that, police don't think her wounds are life threatening.

Douglas House lives near where the shooting took place, "I heard about four or five shots in rapid succession and I dove for the phone and called 911."

He called those who opened fire, "idiots". He said many people put very little value on life.

There's more:

Two hours after that shooting, another one, this time in the Warehouse District of downtown.

A 22-year old woman walking with friends was shot and wounded. In this case police believe the group knew the shooter. Earlier in the night police say a dispute among some in the group may have escalated to the shooting at about 2 a.m. Again the victim's injuries aren't believed life threatening.

The third shooting came a short time later on the city's violence plagued north side. There, a 24-year-old man was shot in a hail of gunfire. "The original shooting was in an area where we recently had a murder, in fact we've had a number of shootings and shots fired calls," said Lieutenant Reinhardt.

The victim of that shooting is also expected to survive.

Scott Brooks (aka Diamond Dog) of Freedom Dogs sent me this report that he will publish shortly:

Well, you've read about it at Rambix and Redstar. You've seen it on the 10 o'clock news. Now here's the Freedom Dogs report.

There was a shooting in a parking lot downtown Minneapolis last night. It just so happens it was in the parking lot where I work during the day at 3th Street and First Avenue, North. At 3 o'clock in the morning a woman was shot in the leg in this lot and taken to the hospital where she is expected to recover.

I spoke with a neighborhood landlord who had some interesting perspective;

"I got a call from my tenant at 3:30 this morning that there was gunfire out here. It was two black women. A lot of people don't know that these shootings are not between young men, but young women. It's a proprietary thing. They don't want any other women infringing on their turf. These shots were between two women.

Over across the street, there's a bullet hole in the plate glass window. That's what bad shots they are."

This landlord told me that his best guess is that these women had just come from an evening spent at The Spirell Bar on the corner of 2nd Avenue, North and 4th Street. It's a space that for years used to be a restaurant called Che' Banana.

I checked out the bullet hole across the street. If someone had been going through a door in the space inside that window, the bullet could have crashes through his head or his heart, killing him. And if the bullet had been fired just a bit lower, it might have killed a motorist driving along 4th Street, North.

-Diamond Dog (formerly known as pinkmonkeybird)

It may be time for extraordinary measures, i.e. zero tolerance for any criminal behavior, special courts with serious judges for fast-track trials and meaningful sentences, expelling criminals from our state, etc. Let's be creative, because Mayor Rybak's safety initiative clearly isn't working and the general public is at risk.

Let's dispense with band-aid solutions and get the violent thugs out of our state, out of our country, or in prison for a long, long time.

Minneapolis Shooting

The Minneapolis Police SAFE Unit has issued a dispatch regarding a shooting from Monday night. It's unclear whether this is a separate incident from the multiple shootings I reported on here. If it's the same incident (or one of them), then it does provide more detail:

On Monday June 26, 2006 at about 11:44 pm, there was an Assault 1 at 4516 Stevens Av S. The victim was shot twice, and has what appears to be non-life threatening injuries.

Two females were sitting inside a car, parked in front of 4516 Stevens Av S. Another vehicle pulled up and shot multiple times into the parked car. The victim was struck twice. The suspect vehicle is described as a red SUV type vehicle, newer model. The victim was not a resident of the area.

This is not a bad area of town, although it is somewhat of a crossroads from various parts of the city. Nearby is a gas station on Nicollet and 46th which was the site of a gangland execution killing last year. It's also not far from the Tangletown neighborhood, one of the most desireable areas of the city.

In other words, it's dangerous out there in the Minneapolis Quagmire.

Uptown Minneapolis On High Alert Yet Again

Today's MSM has been all over the story posted here on Monday evening regarding the latest Armed Robbery Crime Alert for Uptown.

The citizens of Uptown have been on a roller-coaster of violence and physical threat in general off and on since the spring of 2005. Apparently there is no shortage of Minneapolis thugs who are ready, willing, and able to lay seige to Minneapolis' entertainment hot spot.

KSTP Eyewitness News reports: "Robberies prompt Uptown crime alert".

Minneapolis police have issued a crime alert for Uptown after a group of men have robbed several people at gunpoint.

Police say several robberies have taken place near the 2700 and 2900 blocks of Fremont and Dupont Aves. S.

Three armed robberies have occurred in two days within three blocks of each other, only four blocks away from the main Uptown entertainment district.

The suspects are said to have used semi-automatic handguns, while wearing hooded sweatshirts and bandanas over their faces.

It's interesting that the MPD crime alert gave suspect descriptions, but this news report omits decriptions. Why scrub the information provided by the police? Isn't it their call what to release?

Many Uptown residents have been on alert themselves after the March murder of Michael Zebuhr.

Victim Elanor Anderson-Genne understands the need to be cautious.

"You feel totally violated,” she says after being a victim herself. “It's maddening because it never stops and I'm not going to cool off and I'm not going to be nice about it and I'm not going to get used to it."

Police are suggesting that people walk in groups at night and stay in well-lit areas.

Robberies in Uptown have increased 20 percent over this time last year.

The Zebuhr murderer(s) have been arrested, yet the robberies continue. Not only are robberies continuing, but they're up 20% as compared with last year.

When can we take the city back?

[Photo courtesy KSTP Eyewitness News]

Multiple Shootings In Minneapolis

KARE 11 News reports multiple shootings overnight in Minneapolis: "Minneapolis sees three shootings overnight".

Minneapolis police are looking for suspects in three separate shootings overnight.

The first happened just after 11:30 Monday night in south Minneapolis. Police say a woman sitting in car was shot in the chest. She was taken to the Hennepin County Medical Center. Her injuries are reportedly not life threatening.

Three hours later police were called to a shooting in downtown Minneapolis.

Officers arrived at a parking lot on First Avenue to find a woman with a gunshot wound. She's also expected to fully recover.

Police were then called, about a half hour later, to a shooting on the city's northside.

Authorities say a man sitting in a van in the Cub Foods parking lot on West Broadway, was shot.

The man is also expected to survive his injuries. At this time, police do not believe any of the shootings are related.

It's been a busy time for Rambix and the Red Star.

Two Suspects Acquitted; Where Are The Killers?

As I noted in this post, Anthony R. Lee, 18, and Lamarr Lucky Smith, 20, both of Minneapolis, were acquitted for the murder of Martin Ruiz. The available evidence wasn't sufficient to convict them. This article from WCCO News provides a good description of the outcome of the case.

Various people have expressed concern that if these two didn't do it, then who did?

The killers of Martin Ruiz, whoever they may be, need to be found forthwith. Evidence needs to be developed to ensure a successful prosecution of the suspects once they are identified. And this all needs to happen sooner rather than later, because a couple of stone cold killers are walking the streets of Minneeapolis, in all likelihood, and no one should have any doubt they'll strike again.

Let's give the police the tools they need to close this case.

If anyone has any information regarding the cold-blooded killing of Martin Ruiz, call the Minneapolis police. Here is their contact information page. If anyone knows if there is an anonymous tip line, please post it in the comments.

Multiple Armed Robberies Of Persons - Minneapolis Style

[Hat tip to The Watcher]

The Minneapolis Police SAFE Unit has issued a Crime Alert following a string of armed robberies in the (everyone say it together) once-safe Lowry Hill East neighborhood of Minneapolis:

Robbery of Person June 26, 2006

Lowry Hill East Neighborhood

Facts:

Overnight on June 24 and 25, there were three similar robberies by the same suspects. The first robbery occurred on June 24 at approximately 10:30 p.m. near 2700 Dupont Ave. S. The second was on June 25 at 1:30 a.m. near 2900 Dupont Ave. S. Half an hour later, the third robbery occurred at 2:00 a.m. on the 2700 block of Fremont Ave. S. In all cases the suspects demanded money from the victims. They were armed with a silver semi-automatic handgun.

Suspect information:

The suspects were described as four black males between 18-20 years old, medium build, 5'8"-5'10". One was wearing a blue bandana over his face, with a black hoodie and blue shorts. Another suspect wore a white bandana over his face with a black hoodie and a black stocking type baseball hat. The others were also in dark hoodies.

Beware visiting Democratic National Convention Location Committee - this probably isn't too far from where you are staying.

Welcome to the Minneapolis Quagmire.

Minneapolis Parks: Children Playing, Lovers Walking, And...

...12 gauge sawed off shotguns laying around.

The Minneapolis Police Safe Unit reminds us that Minneapolis isn't Mayberry anymore:

Monday, June 26, 2006 1:11 PM

On 6-19-06 a sawed down 12 gauge shotgun was recovered from a trash can at ML King Park, in Kingfield. This apparently involved gang activity in ML King Park. It is not sure exactly how the gun was going to be used.

Over the weekend an arrest was made of the suspect who brought and left the gun at the ML King Park. The person is a juvenile male.

Wonder what kind of business that weapon was used for?

Attempted Kidnapping Of Child

[Hat tip to The Watcher.]

The Minneapolis Police have issued a Crime Alert following an attempted abduction of a child in the Linden Hills area, near Lake Harriet. This crime follows the trend of crime in Minneapolis migrating to areas once considered safe, which Linden Hills certainly was.

As most locals know, Linden Hills is rife with smug liberals who normally wouldn't give a second thought to major crimes occurring in other parts of the city, for example, in North Minneapolis.

Now, however, it's coming to them.

Criminals ultimately know no boundaries.

Here's the MPD dispatch:

Linden Hills Neighborhood June 26, 2006

Facts:

On June 1 at about 2:40 a.m., there was an attempted kidnapping on the 43xx block of Abbott Ave. S. Officers responded. The suspect was gone upon the officers’ arrival; the child was not injured.

This is a reported attempted abduction of a child. We are still actively investigating this case so we cannot give out specific incident information at this time.

Suspect information:

The suspect was described as a 40-year-old, white male with a light build and unshaven facial hair. He was wearing gloves, a black hat and a black leather coat.

My question is: Why are we just finding out now about a 6/1/06 abduction attempt?

Suspicious Death Near Lake Calhoun, Minneapolis

The Minneapolis Park Police were called to investigate the discovery of a body in the shallow channel which connects two of Minneapolis' "crown jewel" lakes, Calhoun and Lake of the Isles.

For those not familiar with the area, the location is right in the heart of an enormous amount of activity, including walkers, bikers, skaters, sightseers, etc. On any given summer day there are many thousands of people within a stone's throw of this channel.

I believe it would be fairly unusual for someone to swim in the channel itself, so the discovery of a body in the water would immediately raise suspicions. The police seem to agree.

Here's the KSTP Eyewitness News story: "Woman's body found in Mpls. summer hotspot".

A park police employee found the 20-year-old woman's body around 10:00 Sunday morning.

The body was found partially submerged in the Lake of the Isles Channel, which connects the lake to Lake Calhoun. Many people passing by the channel saw police attempting to recover the body.

The lakes area was bustling with people Sunday morning when the discovery was made. Biker Sara Hill couldn't believe what she had stumbled onto. Police on the scene tell us investigators are interviewing people who may have known the woman.

"We're treating it as a suspicious death," said Lieutenant Greg Reinhardt of Minneapolis Police Department. "Investigators have been speaking to several people who may in fact know the person who's in the water."

"Suspicious" could mean suicide, but it could also mean homicide.

I'll post more as information becomes available.

#30 - 2nd Minneapolis Murder In 24 Hour Period

News reports are filtering out about the 2nd Minneapolis murder in a 24 hour period. The Red Star leads with the most comprehensive coverage at the moment: "Man dies after Minneapolis shooting".

A man was fatally shot in south Minneapolis on Saturday afternoon during what appears to have been a home invasion, police said.

Officers called to a duplex on the 3300 block of 5th Avenue S. about 4 p.m. found a man in the ground-floor apartment who had been shot.

He was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. His name had not been released Saturday night.

Two other people in the duplex were treated at the scene for slight injuries after they jumped out of a ground-floor window to avoid the shooting, police said.

Things just ain't right in Minneapolis.

Think Senate candidate and part-time Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar is sleeping well at night? The criminals are running wild in Minneapolis.

And has anyone else noticed a marked increase in Minneapolis violence since the implementation of the good mayor's crime-fighting strategy?

#29

It appears the Minneapolis body count hit #29 Friday night with the latest shooting/homicide, as reported by KARE 11 News: "Deadly shooting in north Minnapolis".

The Minneapolis Police Department is investigating an apparent homicide that occured [sic] Friday evening.

Officers responded to the scene of a minor traffic accident at 29th Avenue and Lyndale Avenue North. Upon arrival, they discovered that the driver of one of the vehicles had been the vitim [sic] of a shooting. The adult male was transported by ambulance to North Memorial Hospital where he later died. A crime scene was located at 31st and Aldrich Avenue North.

Officers believe the victim drove from that location and crashed his vehicle into a parked car a short time later. There is no suspect information at this time and the name of the victim has not been released.

The Minneapolis Quagmire continues.

[Photo courtesy KARE 11 News]

Dispatches From The Front

For most of us who are mostly on the outside looking in, it's easy to become complacent about the nightly Minneapolis carnage. After all, it's not me, right?

Well, the reality is that crime in Minneapolis is not just criminal-on-criminal anymore. The sewer rats are disrupting the peaceful existence of many good Minneapolis citizens who simply want to live without fear of getting mugged, assaulted, jacked, beaten, killed, or worse.

Yet many of those who live, work, or play in Minneapolis have been unable to rest easy. They're not going to the crime; crime is coming to them. In a big way.

Just so we don't lose sight of how the anarchy affects real people, I'm going to post some recent dispatches from the front. One of the comments comes from a self-described liberal, who appears to have no faith in Mayor Rybak or his minions.

As I've noted before, the good mayor has lost many liberals, which leaves him with an ever-diminishing base.

Read on:

Friday, June 23, 2006 2:26 PM

To: Friday, June 23, 2006 2:26 PM

Public Record - Hennepin Cty. Judges

Hello.

My name is Derek ---- and I reside in the Willard-Hay neighborhood in North Mpls. As you may be well aware, our neighborhood and the city at large has been plagued by an accelerated escalation of violent crime. Last week some local block leaders and I met with Councilor Don Samuels, Sherman Patterson from the Mayor's office, Asst. City Attorney Dusty Murphy, and Officer Troy Schoenberger at the 4th precinct.

In the course of this meeting, the issue of leniency in criminal sentencing and the accountability of County Judges to voters came up as it always does when citizens are trying to be proactive about crime. Correct me if I'm wrong on this but I believe that something like 1/3 of County Judges are elected or reelected every 2 years. This being an election year, I want to know what Bench spots will be on the ballot in November and I'd like to be more informed regarding the record of said Judges.

I understand that the HCBA used to issue a report on all of the Judges and later stopped because some of the Judges were upset by it. Presumably because some Judges lost elections as a result. In my mind, it is very disturbing that they could so easily stop the publication of their record and their tendencies. My neighbors and I (and all citizens countywide for that matter) deserve to know which Judges are giving criminals who rob and kill minimal jail time and thus excuse their behavior. I hear that it is commonplace for some Judges in Hennepin County to give perpetrators in North Mpls. less time because crime is "more normal" here. That is disgusting.

Please let me know how to find out who from the Bench will be on the ballot in November and how to access their records. If you don't know, then please direct me to someone who does. I would greatly appreciate your help on this matter. Thank you.

Derek ----

Derek, you may recall, is the first Rambix reader to have a cold-blooded execution in his backyard. He therefore has some gravitas on these issues.

Next is a comment on this blog from a self-described liberal North Minneapolis resident. This blog is not always friendly to liberal ideology, but welcome aboard; crime knows no political persuasion.

Wow, I am loving this blog. North resident for two+ years....witness to countless drug deals, one shooting (no fatality= no press), fist fights in the park, numerous gunshots....etc., etc.

It is sad that only murders make the news...in my neighborhood, Harrison, we had over 7 assaults (beatings) of people in a two week time period. Only one news station had a 2 second blip interviewing the guy who was beaten with a pipe as he waited for the bus. Over one block from me the block club leader was beaten as he walked home from work after getting off the bus. Suspects were all juveniles. Just random people being beaten on the street, maybe they take your wallet after they are done....want to stop over an visit? The Mayor doesn't even stop in Harrison. He has been on the agenda of our last 2 annual meetings...the big ones...cancelled and didn't show at the last minute.

Sad that these beatings are just commonplace. I guess if you live in North you deserve crime. Why don't you move somewhere else? I can't AFFORD to move somewhere else. And why should I have to!

Anyway I digress, thanks for the information and opinions and links I have found much of it informative....and I'm a liberal.

Rebecca
Rebecca 06.23.06 - 11:45 am

Thank you for the nice comments, and I hope you contact the mayor and let him know what you think, and also what your political background is. It's important for him to understand that he can't just write us off as a bunch of angry conservatives.

And finally, a note from from the trenches by Rmag40ran:

Thursday, June 22, 2006 5:50 PM

A nice Sat. afternoon preparing for a BBQ for children and grandchildren in North Minneapolis. Suddenly a shot rings out, police are called and come. witnesses tell them where the shot came from and gave first hand information on shooter and friends conversation. Shot goes thru the next neighbors porch where young kids were through the next neighbors fence through his wall and into his nice new breadmaking machine. Bullet is still lodged there. The police were not interested in taking breadmaker to see if they could match bullet up with any other crimes. They said "probably nothing will happen about it."

Intersting? Needless to say my grandchildren will not be visiting me again. Property taxes high increase, market value went up! What do you think. Who will buy my house in the war zone?

I hope the Mayor is listening.

Think about this: The city is soon going to try to entice either the Democratic National Convention or the Republican National Convention to be held in Minneapolis. That's a big deal. So how is Mayor Rybak going to explain a 35% increase in violent crime as compared with the same period last year?

Klobuchar's Failures

If you want some insight as to why we are stuck with the Minneapolis Quagmire, read on.

Today's Red Star highlights an example of Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar's failure to convict two criminals for an egregious crime, and the story of a judge who has allowed a criminal to virtually get away with murder by way of a non-sentence.

The first story reports on the end result of the prosecution of Anthony R. Lee, 18, and Lamarr Lucky Smith, 20, both of Minneapolis, for the murder of Martin Ruiz.

Since the inception of this blog, I've posted stories of terrible crimes, many with tragic circumstances and consequences, and many involving depraved and evil criminals. I consider the murder of Martin Ruiz, however, to be the worst of them all.

Here's my original post from July 31, 2005: "A good man dies in the north side of Minneapolis". Please read what these two pieces of garbage allegedly did to Mr. Ruiz in front of his wife. It'll break your heart.

Today the Red Star tells us that Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar has failed to convict these two alleged animals: "2 found not guilty in ambush killing of man, robbery of wife".

"We knew this was a tough case," CountyAttorney Amy Klobuchar said, because of scant evidence and witnesses who recanted on the stand. There are no other suspects, she said.

Margaret Zack, Star Tribune

Two men were acquitted Thursday of robbing and killing a man who was walking home with his wife after the couple finished their shifts at a McDonald's restaurant in north Minneapolis.

Anthony R. Lee, 18, and Lamarr Lucky Smith, 20, both of Minneapolis, had been charged with first- and second-degree murder in the death of Martin Pliego Ruiz and the robbery of his wife, Paulina Solorzano Quevedo.

Jurors deliberated about four hours Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning before reaching a verdict.

The state "didn't have much evidence," juror Melvan Beamer said. "I can't believe they took a year of these young kids' lives."

Paulina Solorzano Quevedo said in a statement Thursday afternoon, "If the jury decided that Smith and Lee are not guilty, then that is their decision. I leave it in the hands of God for final justice.

Yes, God will dispense justice at the appropriate time. In the meantime the criminals who slaughtered Mr. Ruiz are not in prison, but on the streets. Who will be their next victim?

There was sufficient evidence to charge these two for this horrific crime; why couldn't Ms. Klobuchar get a conviction?

The second story gives us some insight on why violent criminals are running wild in the Twin Cities; the online title of the article tells it all: "Man, 20, sentenced to workhouse, probation in Minneapolis killing".

A 20-year-old Minneapolis man who pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting second-degree unintentional murder and failing to help a shooting victim was sentenced Thursday to 18 months in the workhouse.

There is little reason to believe that Qawntilyus J. Allen fired the shot that killed Corey J. Owen, 35, in the 2100 block of 6th Street N., one year ago today, Assistant Hennepin County Attorney Kerry Meyer said.

Allen's codefendant, Quentin E. Burgess, 23, was acquitted in December of first-degree murder during an armed robbery, first-degree murder during the unlawful sale of a controlled substance and second-degree murder.

So no one is really going to pay for this crime either. It's no wonder criminals feel safe to do their work in Hennepin County.

Along with the workhouse part of the sentence, Hennepin County District Judge Heidi Schell also sentenced Allen to 10 years' probation and a $900 fine.

He also is not to use alcohol and drugs and is to undergo random testing.

Owen's mother, Pamela Kidwell, said in a statement read in court, "It's a sad day when a criminal has more rights than the victims."

It seems they do in Hennepin County, Ms. Kidwell.

Between the wishy-washy judges and the failures of Ms. Klobuchar, violence in Hennepin County appears to be here to stay for the foreseeable future.

More Details On The Latest Minneapolis Murder

One of the aspects of the violence in Minneapolis that I've been trying to highlight over the past year or so is its migration to previously-safe areas of the city. I have posted numerous examples, both high and low profile, of violent crimes perpetrated on the "average" person who may have been engaged in walking the parks, leaving a restaurant, or other mundane activity when they were robbed, beaten, or cut down.

Murder #28 occurred in prime time in a neighborhood described as peaceful and safe. Families and children were in proximity of the killing at the time.

Here's a profile of the Standish neighborhood with links to demographic information.

Here's the KSTP Eyewitness News link which provides more detail on the story: "Man found shot to death in Minneapolis".

A quiet residential neighborhood in south Minneapolis was disturbed after a man was found shot to death in his still-running car Wednesday evening.

The shooting happened in the Standish neighborhood at 38th St. and 22nd Ave. S at approximately 7:15 p.m.

Witnesses tell police that the man’s vehicle and another vehicle were traveling eastbound on 38th and turned south on 22nd when the shooting occurred.

Several families were enjoying the evening and children were playing nearby when the shooting occurred.

"I've lived here 16 years, and this has not happened before,” says resident John Pignatello. "It's disturbing that this can happen in our neighborhood."

This is the second homicide in the neighborhood in the past few weeks.

Life is tough in the Red Zone.

The Minneapolis Quagmire continues unabated.

Today's Minneapolis Murder

I thought I'd counted 28 previously, but Fox 9 News at 9:00 reported that today's Minneapolis murder is #28. There was a cluster of murders and dead bodies last weekend so the count got a little confusing. I apologize for any inconvenience.

Fox 9 News reported that the Red Zone murder occurred in the Standish neighborhood of Minneapolis, which is in South Minneapolis. According to the reporter, the neighborhood was previously considered safe; in other words, here we go again.

The only online story on the murder at 38th St. and 22nd Ave. S. that I see posted at this point is from KARE 11: "Man killed in south Minneapolis".

The violence [Ed. - That would be "Quagmire"] continues in Minneapolis as another man is gunned down.

Wednesday night around seven o'clock police responded to a call about a drive-by shooting at 38th Street and 22nd Avenue South.

When they arrived they found a man dead inside a running car.

The man had been shot to death.

Police Captain Rich Stanek said it appears the car the man was in and another car were traveling on 38th street when multiple shots were fired.

Police are looking for the other car, but have no suspects at this time.

This is the 28th murder in Minneapolis this year.

I'll go with KARE 11 on the body count, the rate of which appears to be increasing.

How's that crime plan working, Mayor Rybak?

More Robberies In Minneapolis 5th Precinct

The Minneapolis Police SAFE Unit has issued a Crime Alert following two robberies of person early this morning:

Tuesday, June 20, 2006 3:40 PM

Last night there were 2 robberies of person that occurred in our sector.

On 6-20-06 at about 1:30 am on the 3100 block of Pillsbury Av S a Robbery of Person Aggravated took place. A victim was assaulted by 3 male suspects with a knife. The 3 male suspects are described as all about 18 year old, black males, wearing white T-shirts and jeans.

On 6-20-06 at about 2:40 am on the 3000 block of Irving Av S a Robbery of Person Aggravated took place. A victim was walking in the alley when he was assaulted by 3 male suspects with a knife. Suspect 1 is described as a light skinned black male in his early 20’s about 6 feet tall, suspect 2 was described as about 5’9” tall, in his 20’s and clean shaven, suspect 3 was described as a dark skinned black male about 6’2” with a goatee and unshaven.

Some will argue, perhaps legitimately, that if you're out that late at night, you're asking for trouble. I would counter that by saying that while you're certainly increasing the odds of danger at those hours, why shouldn't a citizen be able to safely walk the streets whenever he feels like it? Who owns the streets, anyway?

The message in these assaults is that there are violent, armed predators roaming the streets of Minneapolis. They're out there whether you are or not, just waiting for an opportunity.

I'm not yet ready to concede the streets or alleys to punks and gangsters.

Violent Home Invasion In Northeast Minneapolis

I noted in my previous post the lack of media coverage for yet another Minneapolis murder (since when is murder not newsworthy?), but now I have another one to add to the news vacuum.

KSTP TV's 10pm News ran a story tonight about a violent home invasion robbery in Northeast Minneapolis. This occurred sometime Sunday, but there doesn't appear to be anything in print, including on KSTP's own website!

They interviewed one of the victims, male, age 60, who reported that 3 armed thugs forced their way into his home, beat up he and his roommate, and stole $4000 worth of valuable coins. The suspects are described as 3 white males.

If anyone sees this story in MSM print with a link, please let me know.

UPDATE: Hat tip to AntiElf for pointing out the KSTP Eyewitness News website story: "Armed men storm Minneapolis home".

It appears the Minneapolis Quagmire is deepening.

#28?

In what appears to be one of the most underreported stories ever, WCCO News reports the discovery by police of a dead body in a car in North Minneapolis following reports of gunshots.

I don't see the story on other TV News sites, although the Red Star just published the story on their website at 8:56 pm. The WCCO story was posted at 8: 46 am: "Police Find Woman Dead In Car".

(WCCO) Minneapolis Police found a woman dead in her car in North Minneapolis early Monday morning.

Officers were called to 29th and Penn Avenues North just after midnight on a report of shots fired.

The woman was dead when police arrived.

No one is in custody and police have not yet released the identity of the woman.

The Red Star version gives a few more details (considering it was posted 12 hours later): "Woman found fatally shot in car in north Minneapolis".

A woman was found fatally shot early today in a car in north Minneapolis, police said.

Officers were answering a "shots fired" call shortly after midnight on Penn Avenue between 27th and 29th Avenues, when they saw the car with the wounded female inside, police said.

The Red Star adds the information that the woman was shot to death, which for all practical purposes confirms this is a case of murder.

If the venue for the crime is Minneapolis, I believe this would be #28 for the year.

As these numbers pile up, please remember that the Chief Prosecutor for Hennepin County is Democrat U.S. Senate candidate Amy Klobuchar.

Rest Easy - Minneapolis Not As Bad As Milwaukee Or New Orleans

Rambix commenter Tim points out that Minneapolis is not as bad crime-wise as Milwaukee, and posts a crime blotter sufficient to make your hair stand up. Milwaukee, you may recall, is the city that has had numerous savage gang beatings of innocents, on which I've posted previously: "Upper midwest "wilding?"

Tim has a point. Minneapolis probably isn't as bad as Milwaukee (I haven't seen side-by-side stats, but i have no reason to doubt that), but two responses come to mind: (1) We're not as bad as Detroit either, but I take no comfort in either of the comparisons. In other words, Minneapolis is bad, Milwaukee is bad-bad, and Detroit is bad-bad-bad. None of it is acceptable, and I don't like the company we're keeping; (2) Minneapolis may not presently be as bad as Milwaukee or Detroit, but it's well on its way.

Minneapolis officials are pleased as punch that violence "only" increased 6 times the national average. They also failed to tell you that violent crime in Minneapolis in 2006 is up 35% from the corresponding period of 2005.

That, in short, is how you turn Minneapolis into a Detroit or Milwaukee.

New Orleans, on the other hand, is in a class by itself. The post-Katrina criminal return has plunged the city into virtual anarchy. The latest atrocities resemble not so much urban violence as de facto war: Five teenagers were killed in a gunfight last Saturday:

By CAIN BURDEAU
Associated Press Writer

NEW ORLEANS

Authorities were searching for one or more suspects in the shooting deaths of five teenagers in the most violent crime reported in this slowly repopulating city since Hurricane Katrina hit last August.

The victims, ranging in age from 16 to 19, were gunned down early Saturday on a street in the Central City neighborhood just outside the central business district.

Investigators believe the shootings were drug-related or a retaliation attack, Police Capt. John Bryson said. A semiautomatic weapon was used and "multiple, multiple rounds" were fired, he said.

"I think the motivation we're looking at is pretty obvious," Bryson said. "Somebody wanted them dead."

Three of the victims were found in a sport utility vehicle rammed against a utility pole and two were found nearby on the street. It was not immediately known if any of them were armed.

The victims were identified as Arsenio Hunter, 16; Warren Simoen, 17; Iruan Taylor, 19; Reggie Dantzler, 19; and Marquis Hunter, 19, said John Gagliano, the chief investigator for Orleans Parish Coroner Frank Minyard. The Hunters are believed to be brothers or cousins, authorities said.

So yes, it could be worse in Minneapolis, but it's obvious the status quo is unacceptable.

The Minneapolis Quagmire continues unabated.

#27?

Fox 9 News TV just reported a Minneapolis police investigation of another murder (I'm assuming, since this story is just breaking, that it is different from the incident documented in my previous post).

Kare 11 News reports the obviously sketchy initial facts: "Minneapolis Police investigate murder".

Minneapolis Police are investigating a murder on the city's north side.

Officers responded to a call of shots fired just after 7pm in the area of 8th Avenue North between Oliver and Penn Avenues North. They found an adult man shot.

The victim was transported to North Memorial Medical Center but he later died from his injuries.

No arrests have been made. If you have any information on suspects, call the Minneapolis Police Department Tips Line at 612-692-8477.

Is this #27? I'll update as information becomes available.

[Photo graphic courtesy of KARE 11 News]

Stolen Jeep, Dead Body In Minneapolis

KSTP Eyewitness News reports that a dead body was found inside a stolen Jeep at 4545 41 st Ave. S. This is a safe (by Minneapolis standards), nice neighborhood, as the police confirm in the article: "Minneapolis police find dead man in Jeep".

A dead man was found in a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee in the Longfellow neighborhood of South Minneapolis Saturday.

A woman came across the body and called police to the vehicle at 4545 41 st Ave. S.

Police say the neighborhood is relatively safe, and residents say this type of crime is rare.

Yes, that type of crime is rare within, oh, about a two block radius of your house, Mr. or Mrs. resident.

Here's some news: Violence is not rare in Minneapolis!

Will this be Minneapolis murder #26?

Minneapolis City Council Approves Latest Band-Aid Fix For Crime Quagmire

What do Minneapolis officials love doing more than raising your taxes?

Answer: Spending your money.

They slapped the collective faces of all current Minneapolis Police Chief candidates by favoring a national search for the new chief at your (taxpayer) expense. A recent Red Star letter writer sounds off:

It should be a lasting tribute to former Police Chief Bill McManus that, according to the FBI, "Violent crime rose 35.5 percent in Minneapolis last year, far higher than a 2.5 percent national increase" (Star Tribune, June 12).
To find McManus, the city expended an ungodly amount of time and taxpayer dollars on a search firm and community meetings. What did they get? A self-absorbed showboat who spent his tenure holding press conferences, officing out of McDonald's and getting sued for engaging in political payback against his own employees.

Now we have the good fortune of an honorable, effective, caring, smart, levelheaded chief who is already on the job. Interim Chief Tim Dolan not only knows the job and the entire community, he commands the respect and loyalty of his troops.

So what does the city do? It decides to AGAIN waste taxpayer dollars with an expensive search process.

Enough, already! The McManus debacle clearly showed that a search process and pointless "community" meetings don't guarantee a competent chief. If we lose Tim Dolan to another city because the mayor doesn't sign him to a long-term contract now, the mayor and council will regret it come election day.

LORI PETERSON, MINNEAPOLIS

I'm not as convinced as Ms. Peterson is about Tim Dolan, although she has the right idea.

As if that expense weren't enough, the Minneapolis City Council found even more extra money in the budget for the latest band-aid fix to the city's entrenched crime problem: "Minneapolis approves gunfire sensors".

The Minneapolis City Council approved a new system that detects the sound of gunfire in the city, allowing police to respond more quickly to possible crimes.

The system detects the acoustic signature of gunshots and even the sound of a bullet as it travels through the air. It uses 8 to 20 sensors per square mile to pinpoint gunfire to within 75 feet.

"If response time is predictably swift, then criminals have a much less friendly environment to operate in, and that deters a lot of people,” says Minneapolis City Council Member Don Samuels, who represents the city’s North side.

Samuels voted for the Shot Spotter technology in the council's meeting Friday morning.

The system would cost about $325,000 to be installed.

Samuels says it is worth the price.

I thought the general concensus is there weren't enough officers? If that's the case, how will there be a quicker response? And how does this technology solve the problem of thugs streaming into Minneapolis for the myriad crime opportunities?

If the sensors ultimately result in an increase in arrests of criminals, but they're turned back on the street by wishy-washy judges, how does that help the good citizens of Minneapolis and St. Paul?

Answer: It doesn't.

A lot of the crime problems can be boiled down to soft-headed liberalism and political correctness, which is why the problems are not going away any time soon. Throwing taxpayer's money at the problem is not the answer (but usually is the answer for Minneapolis leaders). A number of solutions have previously been posted and hashed over on this blog, but I'm not confident the decision-makers are paying attention, so crime in Minneapolis will continue to be business as usual.

20 Gunshots And Another Minneapolis Murder

More violence in Minneapolis; is it really news anymore?

Chao Xiong of the Red Star reports: "Minneapolis shooting leaves 1 dead, 1 injured".

One man was killed and another was wounded Thursday evening at 35th and Penn Avenues N. in Minneapolis.

Capt. Rich Stanek said police officers were called after a report of shots fired about 6:25 p.m. on the border of the Cleveland and Folwell neighborhoods.

One down and one survivor - right in prime time.

Jerry Ciesco, who lives on Penn, said he heard about 20 gunshots around 6:30 pm.

In general, there is a lot of activity around the area, he said.

"I get propositioned all the time for drugs," he said. "After dark it's a little scary."

Criminals are bad shots, but the downside is they keep shooting until the "get it right", which appears to be what happened here. It doesn't matter, because anything goes in Mayor Rybak's Minneapolis.

The Minneapolis Quagmire deepens, with no end in sight.

McGruv's Letter To Katherine Kersten

Isn't Katherine Kersten a breath of fresh air? A conservative columnist at the Red Star is something to behold.

I didn't have time to comment on her recent article in the Red Star, but I'm sure most of you saw it: "Two big problems cause rising crime".

In response to the article, the only Rambix reader to have a cold-blooded assassination in his own back yard has written to thank Ms. Kersten, with copies to Rambix and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak:

Thursday, June 15, 2006 10:32 AM

Ms. Kersten,

Thanks for writing the article about the hurdles that the Police in Mpls. face. I met Sgt. Jindra at the 4th precinct and I am glad that there are still journalists in this town that will seek true expert opinion on the appalling crime issue. I wish there were more people in the news media that were willing to get to the bottom of what's going on instead of accepting the Mayor/City Council's reasoning that the existence of guns and not enough job opportunity are the problem. City officials are obviously covering their asses and not being candid or are truly clueless. Minneapolis has unfortunately become a prime place to be a career criminal and the bad guys know it.

Derek (McGruv) ------

Derek has been an extremely proactive member of the resistance, and therefore I'll give him the recognition he deserves. Blogger props to Derek.

Keep up the good work.

More Minneapolis Mob Attack Reporting

KSTP Eyewitness News now has a report on the (near) Uptown Minneapolis mob attack, as noted in this post following a Minneapolis Police Robbery Alert: "Mob attacks men in Uptown-area park".

Two men were attacked and beaten by a large mob at a park in Uptown Tuesday evening.

Minneapolis police are searching for 10 suspects in the random robbery and beating at the Lyndale School Park on 34 th St. W and Lyndale Ave. S.

One of the victims says a person in the group pulled out a gun and demanded money.
"They started hitting me a few times and started emptying my pockets,” he says.

The two men only had $10 in cash and two cell phones, but the mob continued to beat them.

Armed thugs are taking over.

This is not a terrible area of town. In fact, it's a fairly nice area. It's on a very busy street, Lyndale Avenue, just south and east of Uptown. A popular ice cream shop, Sonny's Crema Cafe, is directly adjacent to Painter Park.

Ironically, the founder of Sonny's Crema Cafe was mugged by a local thug in late 2005. There was an arrest , but Sonny is elderly and was unable to remember his attacker so the scumbag went free. Any bets on whether he was part of the mob in this case?

I posted on the Sonny Siron mugging here on 10/16/05: "Minneapolis - the Fallujah of the west", and here: "No Justice".

More on Tuesday's mob beating from KSTP:

"I was scared,” one victim said. “I know that there was a shooting over in Uptown a few months ago, and I didn't want that to happen.”

Police say they are responding by increasing park patrols after hours, using motorcycles and squad cars.

“You should feel safe to go to your local park or playground without being intimidated by thugs,” says Sgt. Fred McCormick.

I'd be scared too. A guy can handle one or two criminals. Maybe. But 10+ thugs? No way.

And the victim was right to think about the Uptown slaughter of Michael Zebuhr. That incident taught us we have to fight back, although in this case it wasn't possible.

Rambix reader and commenter Chunkstyle offers some firsthand insight:

So, I'm involved in one of these "citizen patrols", here in Uptown. 24 hours before this crime, our patrol went by Painter Park, on the west side of Lyndale. We saw some shady characters drawn up by the hoops court. Once we heard of the robbery, I e-mailed the CCP guy for the 5.2 sector, and told what we saw. Now, since the park is only a couple blocks from me, I'm gonna take an occasional drive around it, as I come and go, during the evening hours. I'll also make sure that our patrols pass by more often. Naturally, we'll talk to the police whenever we can. Luckily, from the police report, the kids beaten didn't seem to be hurt too badly, 2 (18-yo while males) injured, refused treatment, one (16-yo white female) not noted as injured. Thank goodness, as there was a gun involved.
Chunkstyle 06.15.06 - 6:47 am

The Minneapolis Quagmire goes on and on.

Minneapolis Shooting

Minneapolis Fox 9 News reported tonight on a shooting which just occurred in Minneapolis. There were few details, and I see nothing online yet.

I'll report as details become available.

North Side Crime Meeting

If anyone (McGruv?) attended the North Side Minneapolis Crime Forum tonight, would you be willing to comment on the event? This is an open thread for review of the event and the feedback or response of the city leaders and/or police. Feedback on the general mood and comments from the citizens who attended would be interesting also.

Gang Robbery With Violence In Minneapolis

The Minneapolis Police SAFE Unit has issued a Robbery Alert, but unfortunately with few details. The details they include, however, are troubling:

Wednesday, June 14, 2006 9:39 AM

SAFE Precinct 5, Sector 2

On 6/13/2006 at about 10:23 pm a reported Robbery of Person Aggravated (with weapon) took place near and in Painter Park. 3 victims were robbed during this event. I do not know if the victims were together, separate or even knew each other.

Here is the Public Information from this incident;

“Victims were robbed at gun point by a group of approximately 10-12 black male teen Suspects. The loss was cells phones and cash. Victims were struck several times by the suspects. Suspects were goa. Victims declined medical attention and were given blue cards.”

"10-12 black male teens" is a significant amount of criminals in one group committing robberies. Armed or not, you don't have a chance against those odds.

Again, the Mad Max movies come to mind, with anarchy and roving bands of sociopaths wreaking havoc on society.

What's next for Minneapolis? I can hardly wait.

Minneapolis Burglary Arrest Turns Violent

A shot was fired by a Minneapolis police officer during a struggle while arresting a burglary suspect, as KSTP Eyewitness News reports: "Shot fired during robbery arrest" (I believe that since the property was unoccupied, it would be a burglary, not a robbery).

A robbery suspect is in police custody after he resisted arrest, triggering a struggle that ended with a Minneapolis police officer's gun discharging.

No one was shot, but both the officer and suspect suffered minor injures from the struggle.

The criminal is lucky he didn't get shot. Resisting armed police officers is a foolish venture.

Police say it all started just after 12:30 Wednesday morning when they were called to a break-in at Krause Anderson construction. The first officer to arrive attempted to arrest a man fleeing the building - but the man retreated to a van.

"The suspect was trying to leave, put the van into gear, the officer had his weapon out, and a struggle occurred with the officer outside the van, and the suspect inside the van," police spokesman Ron Reier said. "A shot was fired, the officers were able to subdue the suspect."

Investigators are still working to determine whether the officer fired the shot -- or the suspect grabbed for the gun during the struggle.

What are the odds this criminal will receive meaningful prison time in Hennepin County? Based on recent crime statistics, I'd say low.

[Photo courtesy KARE 11 News]

Red Star Distorts Crime Numbers?

Empirically we know that the Red Star has been masterful at distorting and twisting facts to fit their agenda, and high on their agenda list is protecting their den of liberalism, Minneapolis.

So when the FBI releases figures stating that violent crime in Minneapolis has increased 35% from 2004, what does the Red Star do? It prints a large, page 1 (deadtree edition) graphic using not the FBI figure, but the much, much lower figure released by the Minneapolis Police: 15%. (Here's the web link for the story, but there is no graphic).

The Red Star's graphic shows that Minneapolis compares favorably with other cities such as Cincinnatti, Charlotte/Mecklenburg, and Sacramento in the amount of crime increase. However, if the Red Star used the Minneapolis Police number for the graphic (showing 15%), from what source did they use the numbers for the other cities? Well, the sources listed are: FBI, Minneapolis police.

So the Red Star trusted the FBI numbers for the comparison cities, but not for Minneapolis?

The result is a distortion of reality, making the Minneapolis crime increase appear to be middle of the pack. In reality, Minneapolis' increase in crime vastly exceeds that of the cities that were compared in the graphic.

That, my friends, is disingenuous.

Shame on the Red Star.

Savages Attack Teen Girls On Minneapolis Bus

As if from an old Mad Max movie, violence in Minneapolis now resembles a sort of wanton otherworldly anarchy. In other words, just about anything goes.

Yesterday it was a high school graduation shooting and today it's a bus mob attack on two young girls, according to KSTP Eyewitness News: "Mob attacks teen girls on Minneapolis bus".

Two 14-year-old girls say they were attacked on a Metro Transit bus in North Minneapolis Saturday night, and that one of the suspects later shot out the windows of one of their mother’s car.

Ciba Jones and Shantel Pope were returning home from a movie, when they say a gang of about 30 people attacked them.

"I wasn't going to let 30 people just hit me, I was fighting back,” said Jones.

Shantel Pope’s mother, Latasha, says the attackers hit her daughter with a pad lock and dragged her off the bus by her hair.

We've already established that criminals in Minneapolis will kill you for nothing, so you have to fight back. Young Ciba Jones knew what had to be done and did it. Her bravery in fighting back is admirable.

According to the story, perhaps as many as 25 of the feral beasts, unidentified by race or any other description, are still on the loose.

Pope is upset police arrested only five of the suspects.

"We said, ‘Why aren't you going to arrest everybody?’” Pope wonders. “And they said, because they didn't want to start a riot."

Pope’s minivan was later shot several times, and she believes one of the people who attacked her daughter is responsible.

Minneapolis police are still trying to determine if the two crimes are connected, and defend the arrests they made after the bus fight.

"The officers detained the bus, the people on the bus, and they felt that they had the five people involved in the incident,” says spokesman Ron Reier.

Is this approach part of "The Plan"?

When will the citizens of Minneapolis, like young Ciba and Shantel, be able to conduct high risk activities such as riding the city bus without fear of assault? When will "The Plan" take effect?

Minneapolis Residents Fed Up

WCCO News reports on the fallout of the recently released FBI figures confirming what this blog has been all about for the last two years - violent crime in Minneapolis is out of control. Not just out of control, but way out of control; worse than anyone imagined.

The powers that be are all atwitter, and the blamecasters and excuse-makers have come out of the woodwork. The FBI numbers are inflated, we're starting new initiatives, it's just a few juveniles causing the problems, they say.

Question: Since the FBI figure is significantly above the Minneapolis Police number (35% vs. 15%), is it possible the police were underreporting the violence? Just askin'.

Here's the WCCO story:

(WCCO) Minneapolis Minneapolis city leaders and neighborhoods are pondering how to stop a growing trend of violent crime.

According to a FBI report released Monday, violent crimes in Minneapolis increased 35 percent in 2005 -- more than any other Midwestern city and one of the largest increases in the nation.

In the afternoon on Monday, the Minneapolis Police Department rebuffed the original figure, saying the increase in violent crimes is actually closer to 15 percent.

Police blame the youngsters. I prefer just blaming criminals, regardless of how old they are.

Police said the new face of crime in the city belongs to young people in fragmented gangs.

Nothing an after-school program can't fix, no?

The fastest growing crimes in Minneapolis are robbery and assault. Residents are now calling for a proactive response to the frightening problem. City leaders say plans are in place.

The plans are in place.

Crime has been escalating for two years, and the plans are in place. Liberals have been carrying on about there allegedly being no post-liberation plan for Iraq; I think they ought to turn their energy closer to home. Minneapolis, for example. Where's the post-Quagmire plan for Minneapolis?

The MSM has all but ignored the crime story for the last two years, so citizens who don't have access to blogs have been blissfully unaware of the crime trends. The present situation, however, makes it all but impossible for the story to be downplayed or minimized by the MSM.

The numbers are simply too bad, and people are scared:

"It really frustrates me. I've lived in the city for a long time and always felt safe and I don't like to hear crime is going up that much," said a Minneapolis resident Norma who asked we only use her first name.

"As a resident of Minneapolis, your personal safety is something that's most important to you," said resident Kristine Danzinger.

Solutions to growing crime have been posted ad nauseum on this blog. I hope that Minneapolis leaders take note; time is short because the news is spreading fast. Only the viability of the city is at stake.

Shots Fired As Minneapolis Graduation Ceremony Lets Out

KSTP Eyewitness News reports on a shooting that occurred last night in Minneapolis as people were leaving the graduation ceremony for Patrick Henry High School: "Gunshots ring out after graduation".

Two shots were fired outside the Minneapolis Convention Center Sunday night just as the graduation ceremony for Patrick Henry High School was letting out.

No one was hurt, but the shots caused a lot of confusion.

One witness who was leaving the graduation tells 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS, some people thought the shooter was coming inside the building. That is when many people started running back inside the convention center.

No one is in custody.

The Red Star weighs in with a few more details: "Shots fired outside Convention Center as graduation ends".

Several shots were fired Sunday night outside the Minneapolis Convention Center as people were leaving Patrick Henry High School's graduation ceremony, police said.

No one was struck, but one person claimed to have been injured as many in the crowd ran away from the shots, police spokesman Ron Reier said.

Some of the eight officers on hand for the event heard what were at least four gunshots, Reier said.

Mr. Reier sums up the situation:

"The good news is that nobody was hit," he said. "The bad news is that a lot of people could have been."

Welcome to the Quagmire. It's Minneapolis, after all.

St. Paul Murder

St. Paul suffered it's 9th murder of the year, a number significantly lower than the 24 murders in Minneapolis to date. Yes, St. Paul is about a third smaller, but the difference in numbers is not proportionate. St. Paul has it's share of violence, of course, but they seem to have greater control over their environs.

Just an observation.

WCCO News reports: "Man Killed After Shooting In St. Paul".

(AP) St. Paul Police were investigating St. Paul's ninth homicide of the year Sunday.

Ember Moniki White, 27, of St. Paul, was shot several times around 2:30 a.m. Police said he was conscious and talking when officers arrived in the alley near Third Street East and Maple Street. He was taken to Regions Hospital, where his condition was stabilized.

But his condition took a turn for the worse, and police learned around 9 a.m. that White had died of his wounds.

This shooting, while tragic, appears not to have been random. This gentleman may actually have been living that "high risk" lifestyle that our good Minneapolis Mayor Rybak has warned us about.

FBI Confirms Minneapolis Quagmire - Staggering Increase In Violent Crimes

The FBI has now confirmed, via the Red Star, what Rambix and the Red Star has been reporting since the inception of this blog - violence in Minneapolis has increased at a staggering rate over the past two years. In fact the increase is so out of proportion to our Midwest neighbors and the nation as a whole, one wonders why violent thugs have felt so comfortable to ply their trade in Minneapolis.

Here's a sample from my 2005 year end roundup dated 1/1/06, which documented a plethora of crimes, most of which were played down in the MSM: "2005: The Minneapolis Quagmire - year end roundup".

Rambix and the Red Star was born on April 26th, 2005, in response to a growing, but under-reported crime wave in Minneapolis. Minnesota's largest newspaper, the Red Star (aka Minneapolis Star Tribune) had been, either through neglect, incompetence, or some multiculturalist paradigm, suppressing news of a spate of Uptown, Minneapolis robberies.

The crime wave has not abated, and now we have FBI confirmation as reported by Red Star writers David Chanen and Myron P. Medcalf:

An FBI report to be released Monday will say that violent crime reports in Minneapolis increased more last year than any other Midwest city and that the jump is among the tops in the United States.

The crimes of homicide, rape, aggravated assault and robbery increased by 35 percent from 2004, compared to an average 5 percent increase for cities of similar size to Minneapolis across the nation, according to FBI crime statistics given to interim Police Chief Tim Dolan on Friday. Violent crime rose an average of 2 percent nationwide.

Here's part of my analysis of the problem from my 2005 year end roundup post:

The liberal power structure of Minneapolis, including Mayor Ryback and the dysfunctional City Council, in conjunction with Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar, will blame underfunding of the police, and so on. To some extent that may be true, but they need to look in the mirror for the solution to that issue. The city has a "priority spending" problem; putting tax dollars into nonsensical projects and programs at the expense of police funding.

But police funding is not the only, or even the greatest, problem. The bigger problem is still priorities; not [only] monetary priorities, but social priorities. The socialists tend to criminal's wants and needs before those of the good citizens. They provide "safe harbor" for illegal immigrants, criminals or not. They make it easy and attractive for the worst elements of other states to come to Minnesota and bring their criminal ways with them.

In other words, Minneapolis is an upside-down, dysfunctional coccoon of liberal foolishness, where criminals thrive and good people suffer.

These words are as true today as they they were at the end of 2005, and as they would be at the beginning of 2005.

More from the Red Star:

...according to Minneapolis police data, there were 2,524 reported violent crimes through June 5, up 35 percent from 1,874 at the same time last year. And serious crime, which includes violent crimes plus burglaries, theft and arson, is up 19 percent.

I'll ask these tired questions again and again, because no answer has been forthcoming: Where are these thugs coming from? What draws them to Minneapolis? Why aren't they prosecuted mercilessly and thrown into prison with meaningful sentences?

The following quote should immediately disqualify Acting Chief Dolan from the permanent Chief position, but we know the city "leaders" will probably see this as a positive:

What has been driving the increase in violent crimes in recent years is a significant spike in robberies and aggravated assaults, mostly by juveniles, Dolan said. The 48 homicides last year was actually a decrease from the previous year.

"What's causing the increase? You can't put your finger on one thing," he said.

It could be a lack of officers or not enough funding for afterschool and truancy programs and social services for teens, he said. There are also economic issues and "just too many guns on the streets," he said.

This approach spells doom for the city. I ask only this: How have the gun buybacks and the myriad social programs been working for you so far?

Once again, I point you toward some real solutions offered by Rambix reader Nordeaster: "Minneapolis Crime Solutions".

Robberies Out Of Control In Minneapolis 5th Precinct

The Southwest Journal reports that robberies in the 5th Precinct of Minneapolis are up 27% from the beginning of 2006 through May 30 over last year: "Robberies spike in the 5th Precinct".

By Jake Weyer
Robberies up 27 percent over last year

Minneapolis Police have responded to a spate of robberies in the 5th Precinct this year.

Robberies between Jan. 1 and May 30 are up 27 percent this year over last - 231 have been reported this year, 182 were reported in 2005.

Most of the robberies have occurred in the northeast section of the precinct, but neighborhoods to the west including East Harriet, Tangletown, CARAG and Kingfield have also been hit. Police will have more officers and extra patrols in some of Southwest this summer to combat the increase in crime, including Uptown, Stevens Square and a section of Nicollet Avenue.

The effort is part of the city's Safe City Initiative.

For those that don't know, East Harriet and Tangletown are very nice neighborhoods of Minneapolis, with houses in the $1 million+ range not uncommon.

In other words, no neighborhood is immune from the Minneapolis uprising. The difference is, the neighborhoods listed above are chock full of liberals whose appreciation of the diversity of the criminal element overrides their sense of self-preservation. They're not getting up in arms anytime soon.

Normal people are up in arms, and slowly, but surely, the word is getting out thanks to citizens like McGruv, Mitch Berg, the Fraters Boys, Nordeaster, Tracy Eberly, KvM, The Watcher, and too many others to name (thanks to all for numerous tips).

Police are seeking community help to catch robbery suspects, said crime prevention specialist Tom Thompson. The majority of suspects have not been found and many descriptions of them are vague.

“I understand that when people are being robbed it is a truly traumatic experience,” Thompson said. “But the biggest thing they can do to stop this is to get a really good description of that person.”

No descriptions? C'mon, give us a break. You have descriptions, but political correctness has blinded you. Mr. Thompson - just tell us what characteristics are shared by the vast majority of robbers in the city of Minneapolis. Think hard.

Attention Minneapolis City leaders - You're going to drive businesses out of the city if you continue to allow this to happen:

An employee of Papa John's, 4618 Nicollet Ave., who did not want to be identified for fear of attack, got a pretty good look at the man who held three employees at gunpoint in the store's cooler while another man robbed the safe around 11 p.m. on May 21. The suspect was white, wearing a white handkerchief, a hooded sweatshirt and dark pants.

The employee definitely remembers the black gun.

“I didn't know if it was real, but I didn't want to find out,” the employee said.

The robberies have generally occurred in the Red Zone. There's no safe time of the day, either:

Robberies have occurred in the early morning and afternoon as well as at night. Many victims were pushed or hit, then robbed. Some victims were walking alone; others were in their cars. At least one was on a bike.

Not all of the robberies were successful. A woman walking home near Bryant Avenue South and Franklin Avenue West after 1 a.m. on May 23 was one of a few victims who fought off suspects.

Onward Minneapolis Quagmire.

Funny Twist, But Not-So-Funny Story

KSTP Eyewitness News reports on an incident in Uptown, Minneapolis involving a robber and a caped good samaritan who interrupted the crime:

About the time Teresa Skarman was wrapping up her shift bagging groceries at an Uptown grocery store, Cameron Evans was doing dishes at Galactic Pizza a few blocks away.

Evans left to deliver the pizza and Teresa began her normal walk home. As she walked, Teresa heard something...

"I heard footsteps behind me, and I stopped to turn...," Teresa said.

A strange man grabbed for Teresa's purse...they struggled. The man eventually got the purse and took off.

What followed had Teresa doing a double-take--In a flash, someone was giving chase to the robber.

"He had on a white tunic, a beige leotard, and tights and boots," Teresa explained. The man was also wearing a cape.

"I thought, 'wow, who's that?'"

It was Cameron Evan--Superhero.

It's an amusing story for the media to report, but the underlying robbery is not funny. Violent criminals are running roughshod over Uptown, Downtown, South, North, Southwest, and NorthEast Minneapolis. That's the real story.

"Typically we just deliver some pizzas (dressed like this), and that's about it. But when we run into a situation like this, we're forced to act," Evans explained.

Two other bystanders joined in the chase and eventually knocked the robber down. He got away, but not before giving up the purse.

The criminal excaped, and the media got a funny story. I'm not sure the lesson was learned, however: robbery really isn't funny. It's fortunate no one got hurt.

The Minneapolis Quagmire continues.

Minneapolis Crime Alert - Robbery Of Persons

The Minneapolis Police have issued a crime alert for violent robberies of persons:

Bryn Mawr and Harrison Neighborhoods June 7, 2006

Facts:

Since May 22, there have been three robberies of persons in the border area of the Bryn Mawr and Harrison neighborhoods. These robberies have occurred between approximately 2:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Force was used in all of the robberies, and the victims sustained minor injuries as a result of the assaults. Victims lost money, credit cards, and ID’s.

Suspect information:

Several suspects have been reported. All of the suspects are described as being between the ages of 16 and 24 years old, and 5' 8" to 6' 1" in height. One suspect had on a white T-shirt and long shorts with a pick style comb in his hair. Another had a short afro hair style and wore a goatee-style beard.

In the second robbery, one suspect was described as having a stocky build, wearing a black T-shirt and long shorts, with a short curly afro hair style. The second suspect was on a bicycle. He had a medium build and was wearing a white T-shirt and yellow pants.

These thugs are ready to throw down, people. If you live, work in, or visit Minneapolis, consider the gift of personal protection our legislature gave us. The criminals will eat us alive if we remain as sheep.

DO NOT BE A VICTIM.

Minneapolis Murder

The Red Star reports yet another murder in Minneapolis; an early start to a day of violence in the city (see next post): "Man found fatally shot in south Minneapolis".

A man was found shot to death shortly before 2 a.m. today in south Minneapolis, police said.

Police were responding to a call of shots fired in the area of Lake Street and 21st Avenue S., when they found the victim behind an apartment building. The man was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he died.

No arrests have been made. There's no word of suspects. There is no indication if this ocurred in the Safe Zone or the Red Zone.

Call the tip line at #612-692-8477 (or 911) if you have information.

So is violence in Minneapolis really "news" anymore?

Bicyclist Shot In Minneapolis

Fox 9 News just reported the story of the University of Minnesota student who was shot while on her way to school on a bicycle. Here's some paraphrased quotes from the reporter and persons interviewed in the newscast:

Reporter: "This area (Powderhorn Park) has had five reported shootings in the last 24 hours."

Woman: "I don't feel safe here anymore."

City Councilmember Schiff: "This is completely unacceptable that people don't feel safe riding their bicycles in this city."

Minneapolis Police Spokesman Ron Reier (he of the key defense) was interviewed; he blamed too many guns in the city. As if the guns lept from their resting places and fired themselves at people.

Kare 11 News reports on the shooting: "Minneapolis bicyclist wounded by apparently random gun shot".

A woman bicycling down Bloomington Avenue South in Minneapolis was shot in the leg about 10 o'clock Wednesday morning.

Officers descended on a particular house, but no shooter or guns were found. Arrests were made.

At a house mid block one officer thought he saw an armed occupant inside so he and other officers quickly retreated and took cover. As more officers with guns drawn circled the home, other officers ordered residents across the street to leave their homes.

One of those residents, Christina Knudsen, said she'd heard an unusual noise about twenty minutes earlier and after realizing what happened Knudsen said "I heard a noise didn't think anything of it thought kids were playing with fireworks."

Soon one by one occupants of the house emerged with their hands up. They were ordered to lie face down in the street until police were certain there was no one else was in the house. In all four people were handcuffed and taken to police headquarters and questioned about the shooting.

Then a SWAT team arrived and entered the house, going room to room looking for people or weapons. They found neither. But police were going to get a search warrant and do a more thorough search for guns.

There is a culture of anarchy in Minneapolis, folks, where criminals feel free to ply their trade. They clearly aren't getting slapped down by the courts, and the police are doing their best, but they can't control the catch and release judges.

Will some news reporter with resources please investigate where these thugs are coming from, and find out the reason why they've come to Minneapolis? Please don't tell me they're all homegrown - I'm not buying it.

Hope On The Judicial Front

There have been far too many Minnesota judges who have gone too soft on sentencing for some of our worst criminals, and we rightly criticize those decisions. A sentence handed down yesterday leaves hope that there remains a modicum of common sense out there, as the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports: "Teen gets prison in brutal hit-and-run".

BY SHANNON PRATHER
Pioneer Press

Fabrizio Montermini had already benefited from the best schooling and drug treatment money could buy when the 18-year-old climbed behind the wheel drunk in January, slammed into another car and then dumped his injured and dying passengers in a dark, freezing parking lot.

Ramsey County District Judge Elena Ostby said Montermini's three failed attempts at treatment and his cruel actions that night leading to the death of 18-year-old Brian Fitzpatrick and the injury of two others, warranted prison. Ostby sentenced the Eden Prairie teen from an affluent family to 12 years in prison. An additional 6½-year prison sentence was stayed unless Montermini violates the terms of his release.

Ostby called her decision agonizing but in the end leveled harsh words at Montermini, who a year earlier had given a speech in front of his school about his battles with cocaine and other illicit drugs.

"It appears that he simultaneously wears his chemical dependency treatment as a badge of honor and as an excuse to get away with his inexcusably bad judgment on the night in question," Ostby said.

"He seemed to brag about the variety of substances he had used in the past and romanticized his past chemical use, saying he 'fell in love with it' and calling it 'a selfish and brutal lover,' " she said.

Montermini, now 19, had pleaded guilty to five felonies in March including kidnapping, criminal vehicular homicide and criminal vehicular injury. His attorneys had asked for a year or less of jail and more treatment and probation, describing the former honors student, who earned a 4.0 his first semester at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., as a "good person."

Yes, it's about personal responsibility.

The defense asked for probation, and in Minnesota that was actually a potential outcome. This judge, however, did the right thing.

But the judge said she wasn't sure if Montermini was truly remorseful and questioned whether his good works in high school were more about "padding his resume" so he could attend a prestigious college than making the world a better place. She also noted the similarities in the fatal crash to another accident in which Montermini, accused of doing drugs, totaled a car with passengers inside.

The judge expressed sympathy for the Fitzpatricks and Monterminis but said the defendant could only blame himself.

Indeed.