Crime
Active shooter and subsequent officer involved shooting in Minneapolis
The shooter is in custody at the hospital where his condition has been described as stable.
September 7, 2024, Minneapolis Police, with the assistance from the Hennepin County Sherrif’s Office, and other law enforcement agencies responded to an active shooter situation.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described a terrifying incident for dozens of residents that started Friday night.
Starting at approximately 10:50 p.m. on Friday night, multiple 911 callers reported a man walking around with a shotgun near the 4000 block of Minnehaha Av. Officers canvassed the area but were not able to locate the armed man.
Early Saturday morning, at approximately 4:30 a.m., 911 callers reported hearing multiple shots near the 4000 block of Minnehaha Av. These reports included residents of an apartment building at 4052 Minnehaha Av stating they could hear shots inside the building, knocks on their doors, and glass breaking.
Officers arrived and observed bullet holes in the front door to the apartment building and shell casings on the floor. Officers located an open apartment door and observed a shotgun on the floor of the apartment.
Additional shots were heard coming from the north end of the apartment building and officers immediately began evacuating residents. Officers were able to contain the shooter to a north stairwell while they continued to evacuate the building and coordinated SWAT and negotiation resources, all while the shooter periodically fired rounds from an AK-47 style rifle.
At approximately 5:33 a.m., an officer discharged their rifle striking the shooter. Officers were able to enter the stairwell, disarm the shooter of the AK-47 style rifle and a 45-caliber handgun, remove him from the building, and provide immediate medical aid.
The shooter, a 40-year-old man who is a resident of the building, was transported to Hennepin Healthcare Hospital with a potentially life-threatening gunshot wound. The shooter is in custody at the hospital where his condition has been described as stable.
“This was an incredibly unpredictable, terrifying and rapidly evolving situation,” said Chief O’Hara. “I can’t say how thankful I am for the men and women of the Minneapolis Police and other officers that responded here. I know it must have taken incredible courage and valor to do exactly what they’re trained to do. Thank God, no one else was hurt.”
No other person was injured during this incident.
The Minneapolis Police Bomb Squad responded to evaluate and clear a backpack the shooter had with him in the north stairwell. It contained extra ammunition and loaded magazines. The shooter was wearing a non-ballistic, military style flak vest during the incident.
An MTC bus was requested to the scene for the evacuated residents of the apartment building.
Chief O’Hara requested the BCA to conduct an independent investigation. The BCA will be the source of any additional public information related to this incident.
ST. LOUIS, MO — The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office has filed formal charges against 46-year-old Bessie Thomas in connection with the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Rita Williams, which occurred Thursday afternoon at a QuikTrip gas station located in the 900 block of South Vandeventer Avenue.
Thomas faces multiple charges, including First-Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.
Authorities confirmed that Thomas and Williams were known to each other, and the tragic incident stemmed from a personal dispute that escalated into violence.
Officers from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department responded to reports of gunfire around 5:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, they discovered Williams suffering from critical gunshot wounds. Despite the life-saving efforts of first responders, Williams was pronounced dead at the scene.
Williams, a mother of four, has been remembered by family and friends as a loving and devoted parent whose untimely death has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew her.
Thomas was apprehended shortly after the incident and is currently in custody as the investigation continues.
Detectives are working diligently to gather additional evidence and interview witnesses to fully understand the circumstances that led to the shooting.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department urges anyone with information related to this case to come forward.
Tips can be submitted directly to the department or anonymously through CrimeStoppers. Community cooperation is vital in ensuring justice for the Williams family and holding those responsible accountable.