13 Robberies Reported in Minneapolis Crime Spree Over 2 Days

Mar 25

*Still image from video provided by* ***MPD*** *shows a stolen BMW involved in a string of robberies in* ***Minneapolis***.

Video of the stolen BMW, provided by MPD

Police are investigating at least 13 robberies that took place across Minneapolis over a two-day span, including multiple assaults and a violent carjacking.

Minneapolis PD says the department is pursuing leads in two distinct—but possibly connected—robbery patterns that unfolded Sunday, March 23, and into Monday, March 24, across South, Southeast and Northeast Minneapolis.

The first pattern involved five robberies committed in a 15-minute span early Sunday morning. All incidents occurred between 2:42 and 2:57 a.m., with three to four suspects involved in each case. Victims were targeted in close proximity in Southeast and Northeast Minneapolis and police say the suspects fled in either a grey or gold sedan.

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The MPD activated its Robbery Pattern Response Protocol just after the fifth incident, bringing in additional resources from all precincts, the University of Minnesota Police Department and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.

The second pattern began the following evening, when a black Kia Sportage was stolen just before 5:46 p.m. Eight more robberies followed, with most occurring between 6:25 p.m. and 11:04 p.m. These included at least four assaults and a carjacking in which the victim was pistol-whipped and their vehicle stolen.

MPD Chief Brian O’Hara said detectives are comparing suspect descriptions across both crime sprees to determine if the same group is responsible. While no arrests have been announced, he said the department has strong leads and believes juveniles already known to law enforcement are involved.

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“These robbery sprees, committed by a group of suspects, are deeply frustrating and create fear across our communities,” O’Hara said in a written statement. “There is a strong sense of urgency within the MPD to disrupt this behavior and apprehend those responsible.”

Sunday’s incidents occurred in a tight window, including the following:

2:42 a.m., 14th Ave SE & 5th St SE – Three to four suspects in a grey sedan stole an ID, credit card, and keys.
2:49 a.m., 600 Block of 10th Ave SE – Three suspects in a grey vehicle stole a backpack.
2:52 a.m., 1100 Block of Washington St NE – Three to four suspects in a grey sedan stole a purse, wallet, and keys.
2:55 a.m., 900 Block of 5th St SE – Three suspects assaulted a victim before fleeing. The victim declined medical attention.
2:57 a.m., 700 Block of 11th Ave SE – Three to four suspects in a gold sedan stole approximately $90 in cash.

Descriptions of suspects from Sunday included males wearing black hoodies, North Face parkas and light blue jeans. One suspect wore a white hoodie and another wore a white hat and black hoodie. Footwear included black Air Force Ones and black-and-blue Nike Jordan shoes.

On Monday, March 24, the second pattern began with the theft of the black Kia and escalated with a series of armed robberies throughout South and Southeast Minneapolis. In several cases, victims were pistol-whipped or thrown to the ground.

Monday’s incidents included:

5:46 p.m., 3600 Block of 19th Ave S – Auto theft of a black Kia Sportage.
6:25 p.m., 3300 Block of Bryant Ave S – Armed robbery. Three suspects in a black SUV stole a purse; the victim was pistol-whipped.
6:33 p.m., 2525 Harriet Ave – Two suspects stole a bag from a vehicle.
6:38 p.m., 700 Block of 22nd St W – Armed robbery by two suspects in a black SUV.
10:23 p.m., 3200 Block of Girard Ave S – Armed carjacking and robbery. Four suspects in a white sedan stole a silver BMW, a purse and phone. The victim was pistol-whipped.
~10:25 p.m., 3200 Block of Fremont Ave S – Armed robbery by two to three suspects.
10:26 p.m., 1200 Block of 7th St SE – Armed robbery by five suspects in a silver SUV. A purse was stolen; the victim was thrown to the ground.
10:46 p.m., 2300 Block of Pillsbury Ave S – Attempted armed robbery. Three suspects assaulted and pistol-whipped the victim.
11:04 p.m., 3800 Block of 10th Ave S – Armed robbery. Four to five suspects in a silver SUV stole a purse and wallet. The victim was pistol-whipped.

Descriptions for suspects in Monday’s pattern again included males in black hoodies. In multiple cases, a female suspect was also reported.

Anyone with video or other evidence is urged to contact the Minneapolis Police Department by emailing policetips@minneapolismn.gov or calling the MPD Tip Line at 612-673-5845. To report information anonymously, contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.CrimeStoppersMN.org. Those who provide tips leading to arrest and conviction may be eligible for a reward.

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