Teen falls 20 stories inside Minneapolis grain elevator while trespassing: Police
Police warn of urban exploring after death
A teenager is fighting for his life after falling 20 stories while exploring an old grain elevator in Minneapolis. FOX 9’s Maury Glover spoke with neighbors who say they have warned about something tragic occurring at the location.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - An 18-year-old was critically injured after falling approximately 20 stories inside a decommissioned grain elevator in Minneapolis Monday night.
Teen falls 20 stories inside grain elevator
What we know:
Minneapolis police said a group of teenagers were reportedly trespassing at the decommissioned Checkerboard Grain Elevator in the 3700 block of Cheatham Avenue when the 18-year-old fell about 20 stories before landing on an elevated platform.
Authorities responded to the scene around 8:30 p.m., and Minneapolis fire crews used a ladder truck to reach the injured teen and provide emergency medical care.
The 18-year-old was transported to Hennepin Healthcare with life-threatening injuries.
The backstory:
Police said the group of teens were apparently on an urban exploring adventure when the accident occurred.
Police say it is a miracle the boy survived the fall. Interim Fire Chief Melanie Rucker explained he fell onto a flat roof "membrane" that was a little softer.
Big picture view:
Police have had between nine to 12 previous trespassing calls at this grain elevator.
Minneapolis Police Sgt. Garrett Parten said the consequences of trespassing on abandoned properties like these can be fatal.
"Unfortunately, we have young people who are willing to take risks for the sense of adventure and, I'll be honest with you, it appeals to me," he explained. "Climbing through an old building, finding cool things. I understand the appeal. But we have to get to a point where common sense takes over the desire for the risk. But I'm pretty confident this is going to keep happening. And so as a law enforcement, yes, we have a responsibility to monitor, direct the patrols if we need to do that."
Police say this is part of a troubling increase in urban exploring cases, with more than 100 so far this year and 15 arrests.
Sgt. Parten said officers have worked to try to identify spots where teens can access these buildings and worked with building owners to address those problems. But, he says, explorers often find a new way around.
Neighbors say warnings went unheeded about grain elevator dangers
What they're saying:
Neighbors say they have repeatedly reported concerns about the site.
"It's horribly frustrating. We've contacted the city about it. We've contacted the police. There's probably 50 between my neighbor and my calls to 911 when there are large groups," said Vox Payne, a neighbor.
Neighbors say it was only a matter of time before something serious happened.
"For teenagers and young people who think this is safe, this is not safe," said Payne. "Don't go to a site like this. Don't hang off the side of a building. That should be self-explanatory but kids don't learn consequences until it's too late for either them or their friends."
The property owner, Checkerboard LLC, released a statement saying, "Our thoughts are with the young man injured and his family and hope everyone will join us in holding them in their prayers. The investigation into what happened and why is ongoing and we're committed to assisting it in any way possible."
The Source: This story uses information from the Minneapolis Police Department.