Mpls. drug bust goes bad; suspect rams police car

An undercover drug operation in south Minneapolis turned violent Tuesday night when a suspect allegedly tried to run down a police officer.

Police spokesman Sgt. William Palmer says the incident started about 6:30 p.m. in the back parking lot of a liquor store at Franklin and Nicollet avenues.

There were two suspects inside the vehicle, Palmer said. When officers attempted to make an arrest, "the driver drove at an officer and actually struck one of our police."

One officer then opened fire on the driver.

Palmer said the suspect continued driving and managed to get his vehicle several blocks from the scene of the shooting before officers stopped him again. Another suspect in the vehicle fled and couldn't be found by police.

The wounded suspect was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center for treatment.

Six officers have been placed on routine leave while the incident is investigated. Palmer said their names are not being released because they are part of a six month-long undercover assignment.