5 Arrested Following Downtown Minneapolis Assault
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It's midday downtown Minneapolis and the streets are busy. It's the time of day when most people feel confident and safe, not expecting to witness violent crime.
"During the morning and the day, it's OK, but after school and at night is when you have a problem," said downtown visitor Bunny Abrams.
On a recent Sunday afternoon, it didn't seem to matter the time of day. That's when a fight broke out near the light rail platform at 5th Street and Hennepin Avenue.
Video shot by a bystander shows a horrifying moment as a man is kicked repeatedly in the head. When he struggles to get back on his feet, he is kicked again.
When police are finally called, the group of attackers run away.
"We know that people don't always feel safe down here," said Joanne Kaufman, the executive director of the Warehouse District Business Association.
She says her member businesses are affected directly by the perception of downtown crime. That is why the group works to correct it whenever possible.
She adds that in reality Minneapolis crime statistics for the current period show that homicide, robbery and aggravated assault are all down when compared to 2015.
"The nightlife businesses, legally, they're allowed to stay open until two o'clock in the morning, but when their business starts falling off because their customers don't want to be around it, that's not a good thing and then we're kind of giving in to that element," Kaufman said.
Minneapolis police have increased downtown beat patrols and installed more cameras in problem areas. Surveillance video is often the key in leading to quick arrests.
Mike Welsh, who lives and works downtown, calls Sunday's attack disturbing but anything but normal.
"I feel very safe downtown, I've never had any issues," he said. "I come out at night and go to a lot of sporting events and I don't have any issues coming downtown."
Metro Transit Police responded to Sunday's assault and quickly made five arrests. While their investigation continues, three adults and two juveniles are awaiting charges.
Police report that the male victim of the attack was treated at the hospital and released.
