Saint Paul police are investigating a fatal shooting in the North End neighborhood Monday night that left one man dead and the alleged shooter claiming self-defense.

Around 7:30 p.m., officers responded to the 500 block of Front Avenue after a man reported he had been assaulted in his vehicle.

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The man claimed he fired his gun at the alleged attacker during the altercation and believed he may have injured him. The attacker then left the scene in a red vehicle.

Shortly afterward, authorities received a report of a crash involving a red vehicle at East 12th and Cedar Streets, less than two miles from the initial scene.

Inside the vehicle, officers found Tajai Evans, 26, of Saint Paul, with a gunshot wound, unconscious and unresponsive. Bystanders on scene assisted officers by performing first aid, while Saint Paul Fire medics responded. Despite their efforts, Evans was pronounced dead at the scene.

Following the incident, Saint Paul officers secured both the Front Avenue and East 12th Street locations. Law enforcement canvassed the area to gather witness statements and search for additional evidence. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to establish Evans’ exact cause of death.

Investigators are still working to determine what led up to the shooting, and the alleged shooter is cooperating with authorities. As of Tuesday afternoon, no arrests have been announced in relation and no formal charges yet filed.

It marks the 26th homicide in Saint Paul this year. Anyone with information is asked to call SPPD at 651-291-1111.

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