Man with knife shot by bystander after crash in Fridley

FRIDLEY, Minn. (KMSP) - A crash in Fridley led to a confrontation with a knife and ended in a shooting, according to Fridley police.

Wednesday at 4:20 p.m., officers responded to a crash involving four vehicles at the intersection of Central Ave NE at Medtronic Parkway NE. Callers told authorities a man, who was involved in the crash, had a knife and was trying to assault other people involved in the crash.

Witnesses said another man, who was not involved in the crash, stopped to help. This man was armed with a handgun. Before officers arrived, he shot at the man holding the knife, hitting him multiple times. An ambulance took the man with gunshot wounds to a hospital. His injuries are life-threatening. Another man, who was injured in the initial crash, was taken to a different hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The man with the gun stayed at the scene and has been cooperative with police. Police are investigating if the man was legally carrying the gun.

At this time, it is unclear if the drivers knew each other or if this was a case of road rage. There is no threat to the public.

The case is under investigation by Fridley police, the Anoka County Sheriff's Office and Minnesota State Patrol.

Due to the police activity, the Highway 65 was closed between Moore Lake Drive and Medtronic Parkway. The road is now open again.