Mpls. police: Man ambushed officers
Police are investigating an attack against two Minneapolis park officers Tuesday night.
The two unnamed officers responded to a robbery call near the intersection of Minnehaha Parkway and Bryant Avenue south just after 11 p.m. Minneapolis Police Sgt. William Palmer said the man suspected of carrying out the attack reported that he had been robbed at knifepoint by three men. Palmer said that when the officers arrived at the scene, the man stabbed both officers before one of the officers shot and wounded him.
The knife did not penetrate the officer's body armor. A female officer was also stabbed in the upper back and suffered a head injury when she fell.
"Later last night, after the suspect was taken to [Hennepin County Medical Center] by EMS, he was interviewed at some point late last night and he admitted that he had made the 9-11 call to report a fake robbery with the intent to draw officers to him and harm them," Palmer said.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
The 38-year-old suspect is in stable condition and will be transferred to the jail after he recovers from his wound. The Minneapolis Police Department's homicide unit is handling the investigation.
The suspect is being held for probable cause 2nd degree assault, Palmer said, but has not been formally charged by the Hennepin County Attorney. The suspect's criminal history shows more than a dozen charges including a felony auto theft conviction. Earlier this year, the suspect was convicted of disorderly conduct in Washington County.
This incident was the first park officer-involved shooting since 1977, Palmer said. Park police officials say both officers are home recovering from their wounds and on routine paid administrative leave.
Park Police Lt. Jason Ohotto said the unusual incident is a reminder of the dangerous nature of the job.
"I haven't spoken to the officers within the last few hours, but I did spend a great deal of time with the officers last night and this morning," Ohotto said. "Aside from clearly the challenges of what the situation is on its face, these officers are doing relatively well."