Minneapolis Man Charged with Shooting at Trooper After I-94 Crash
Photo via Hennepin County Jail
A 23-year-old Minneapolis man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly firing a gun at a State Trooper, assaulting several others and causing a car crash during a domestic dispute.
Eddie James Freeman has been charged with six felony counts, including first-degree assault for using deadly force against a peace officer, in connection with a series of events on Sept. 21, 2024, on I-94 in Minneapolis, according to the criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County District Court.
Authorities say the incident began when Minnesota State Troopers were dispatched to the area of I-94 and Dowling Avenue following a report of a single-car crash. As officers responded, they received additional reports of shots fired and a description of the suspect involved.
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According to the complaint, a State Trooper was responding to the crash and observed Freeman who matched the suspect description given by 911 callers. As the Trooper approached with lights and sirens activated, Freeman allegedly raised his arm and fired multiple shots at the squad car. The Trooper’s vehicle was struck by at least one round, but the officer was not injured. The squad car’s dash camera captured the gunfire and muzzle flashes.
Minneapolis officers arrived on scene shortly after to assist. Freeman allegedly pointed a firearm at one of the officers and fired another shot. Although the officer was unsure if the gunfire was directed at him, he reported hearing the shot.
Freeman was subsequently surrounded by additional officers. He was observed throwing a handgun before being taken into custody. During the arrest, Freeman allegedly spit in the face of another Minneapolis officer, leading to an additional charge for assaulting a peace officer.
The complaint says the initial car crash involved Freeman’s girlfriend. According to her account, the pair were driving on I-94 when she informed Freeman that she wanted to end the relationship. Freeman allegedly grabbed the steering wheel, causing the car to crash. She told officers that Freeman exited the vehicle and began firing shots outside, though her vision was blocked by the deployed airbags. Officers later found a bullet hole in the driver’s side door near where she had been seated.
Two Good Samaritans attempted to assist at the crash site but were met with gunfire. Both reported seeing Freeman point a gun at them as they approached the vehicle. As they fled, they heard several gunshots before returning to their vehicle and leaving the scene.
Freeman remains in custody on six felony charges, including first-degree assault for using deadly force against a peace officer and multiple counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of 20 years for the first-degree assault charge. Freeman remains jailed on $300,000 bail and will make his first court appearance on Wednesday afternoon.
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