Police: 2 In Custody After Alleged Armed Carjacking And Kidnapping
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Two men are in jail and two more are on the run after an armed carjacking and kidnapping in south Minneapolis.
It happened Thursday around 4 a.m. when a man reported to police that he had been carjacked at gunpoint by four men.
That person was later dropped off and was unharmed in the ordeal. His vehicle is registered in Washington state and has disabled veteran license plates.
"He was outside his vehicle, he was forced into his vehicle," Minneapolis Police Chief Janee Harteau said.
Chief Harteau said the victim was dropped from the car, which officers spotted later in the area of Broadway and Bryant avenues in north Minneapolis.
"We were notified of a carjacking which was also a kidnapping," said police spokesman John Elder.
Officers with the fourth precinct pulled the car over behind a McDonald's restaurant drive-thru. That's when the four occupants attempted to flee on foot. Two of them had handguns and one Minneapolis officer opened fire. Witnesses say they heard at least a half-dozen gunshots, but police can't say if the suspects initiated gunfire with police.
Two of the men fleeing were taken into custody and two others are still on the run.
"An officer did fire at the suspect and two are in custody, one of which suffered a non-life threatening gunshot wound," Elder said.
About six hours later, police recovered what they believe is the second handgun. It was most likely tossed aside by one of the men running from capture.
Investigators have interviewed the kidnap victim and say his story appears legitimate, but they can't say if he was targeted or if it was a purely random act.
"That's something we're digging into," Elder said.
The two officers involved in the shooting are on paid leave which is normal anytime police discharge their weapon at a person.
Investigators are continuing to follow up on leads. Anyone with any information is asked to call 612-692-8477 or text an anonymous tip to 847 411. Enter MPD and the tip. All texts are anonymous.