Minneapolis police shoot suspected active shooter, no other injuries reported
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A man suspected of opening fire inside a Minneapolis apartment is in custody and injured after being shot by a Minneapolis police officer early Saturday morning.
What we know
Minneapolis police say they first got reports of a man with a shotgun walking around the 4000 block of Minnehaha Avenue at about 10:50 p.m. Friday, but responding officers said they could not find the suspect.
Police then got 911 calls from people at a Minneapolis apartment in the same area around 4:30 a.m. Saturday. They also reported hearing gunshots being fired inside, as well as glass breaking and someone banging on their doors.
Responding officers then saw bullet holes in the front door of the apartment building. They also saw a shotgun and spent shell casings on the apartment floor.
Police then began evacuating the apartment building when they heard shots coming from the building's north end.
Officers then contained the shooter in a north stairwell while the building continued to be evacuated. During this time, police say "the shooter periodically fired rounds from an AK-47 style rifle."
An officer fired his rifle just after 5:30 a.m. and struck the suspect in the jaw. Police then moved into the stairwell, disarmed the shooter and took him out of the building for medical treatment.
As of Saturday afternoon, police say the suspected shooter is in stable condition at a hospital, where he is being treated for a gunshot wound described as "potentially life-threatening."
The suspected shooter, a 40-year-old man, is reportedly a resident of the apartment building.
Officers say the suspect was also armed with a .45 handgun and was wearing a non-ballistic, military-style flak vest during the shooting. Minneapolis Police Bomb Squad also arrived to clear a backpack the suspect had in the stairwell, which was found to be packed with ammunition and magazines.
No other injuries were reported, and law enforcement officials say there is no threat to the public.
A Metro Transit bus arrived at the scene to accommodate residents evacuated from the apartment building.
Full Minneapolis Police Department news conference
Police Chief Statement
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara shared the following statement on the incident:
"This was an incredibly unpredictable, terrifying and rapidly evolving situation. 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."
What comes next?
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is reportedly conducting an independent investigation and will provide further updates when they are available.