Man Fatally Struck by LRT After 'Altercation' in Downtown Minneapolis
Officers near 5th St. & 1st Ave. on Saturday, May 20, 2023. Submitted photo
Minneapolis police say a man was fatally struck by a Light Rail train at the Warehouse District station downtown around 1 a.m. Saturday after a "physical altercation" with another man on the platform.
The victim reportedly fell onto the tracks after the altercation on the platform near 5th St. & 1st Ave., was struck by an oncoming train and was later pronounced dead at the scene by responding medical personnel.
TWITTER: Media release from MPD
According to initial police radio dispatches, a witness told officers that the victim may have been pushed onto the tracks. The suspect, captured on camera, was described as a medium-build black male wearing a white t-shirt, black pants, red shoes with white bottoms, and with a royal blue blanket wrapped around his shoulders. He reportedly fled eastbound on the platform after the incident.
Minneapolis police confirmed that a homicide investigation was underway early Saturday, and that an autopsy on the victim would be conducted, with his identity released in the coming days. They ask that anyone with information call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
UPDATE: The Hennepin County Medical Examiner has identified the victim as Reginald Eugene Snelling, 41, of Minneapolis. His manner of death was ruled a homicide and cause of death listed as: “multiple blunt force injuries and traumatic asphyxia due to collision with and compression by light rail train following physical altercation.”
A possible suspect was booked into Hennepin County Jail after the incident but was later released.
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