Mpls. Man Pleads Guilty In McDonald's Parking Lot Shooting
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A Minneapolis man plead guilty to attempted murder in a shooting that occurred in a McDonald's parking lot in late August.
Clarence James Dickens, 21, was charged with one count of second degree murder, one count of possession of an assault weapon and two counts of dangerous weapons drive by shooting.
According to the criminal complaint, police responded to a call of a shooting around 4:53 p.m. on Aug. 21 at the McDonald's on Lake Street near Second Avenue South.
Upon arrival police noticed two cars with bullet holes and several discharged cartridge casings.
During the investigation, officers learned that Dickens had approached a black SUV that was leaving the McDonald's parking lot and fired numerous shots at the passenger side of the car, hitting the car a few times.
Two adults and a child inside the car. After the first shot, the adult in the passenger seat climbed in back to protect the child.
According to the criminal complaint, a couple and their teen were driving along Lake Street when they heard the shots.
Their car was also hit a few times by stray bullets.
No one was injured.
After firing the rounds Dickens got in the passenger side of a vehicle and drove off.
Officers said that an unmarked cop car was nearby and saw Dickens get into a car after the shooting.
The unmarked squad car was joined by other marked squad cars and pursued Dickens.
According to the criminal complaint, officers found the car in the 2800 block of Portland Avenue. The car was vacant, as Dickens fled from it on foot.
Police pursued Dickens on foot and apprehended him nearby. Police also found the driver of the vehicle, Augustus Keith Mobley, hiding in nearby bushes
Mobley denied participating in the shooting and said he was only the driver. He is currently awaiting any charges.
Dickens has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.