Mpls. Man Pleads Guilty To Peavey Park Shooting That Injured Mother & Child
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A 28-year-old Minneapolis man has pleaded guilty to firing a handgun multiple times at an SUV, with one shot missing and injuring a mother and child, the Hennepin County Attorney's Office announced Wednesday.
Dontae Denae Peterson pleaded guilty to three of eight counts on Nov. 25. Now, prosecutors are seeking a 189-month prison sentence -- nearly 16 years.
According to the criminal complaint, Peterson – a member of the 10z gang – had been feuding with a man, who is only identified as OT2, and his associates. On Thursday, June 18, Peterson and friends of his were having several loud arguments with a OT2 at various locations near Peavey Park. During one of the arguments, Peterson flashed his handgun at OT2.
At around 2:15 p.m., Peterson noticed the light-colored SUV that OT2 and his friends had been riding in was traveling north on Park Avenue. He then ran through Peavey Park and stood between two parked cars. When the SUV approached, Peterson allegedly fired his gun at least eight times – emptying it, the complaint said.
Some of the bullets struck the vehicle, but at least one missed and struck a mother pushing a stroller and her 15-month-old child on the west side of Park Avenue. The bullet traveled through her leg. A bullet also struck the child, hitting the child's abdomen and traveling out of the child's back.
The child needed surgery and is now in stable condition, but the child's intestines and bowels were permanently damaged, according to the complaint.
"This is outrageous, criminal behavior that resulted in an innocent mother and child suffering terrible wounds," County Attorney Mike Freeman said at the time of the charges.
Peterson is being held without bail until sentencing, which is scheduled for Feb. 9, 2016.