
Six children aged 11 to 14 were arrested in Minneapolis after a two-hour armed robbery spree that ended in crashes and gunfire on Interstate 94.
At a Glance
- Six juveniles, ages 11-14, committed multiple armed robberies using stolen Kia vehicles
- The crime spree ended with two crashes on I-94; all suspects were treated and booked
- Shots were fired at a victim during one robbery, but no injuries were reported
- Police Chief Brian O’Hara expressed concern over the trend of youth involvement in serious crimes
- All suspects have been released from detention, with charges pending and potential diversion for those without criminal history
Violent Crime Spree Shocks Minneapolis
Minneapolis law enforcement faced a harrowing situation as six juveniles, including three boys aged 11, 12, and 13, and three girls, two aged 14 and one aged 12, engaged in a series of armed robberies. The crime spree, which lasted approximately two hours, began at 11:30 a.m. on the 5100 block of 41st Avenue South and involved the use of stolen Kia vehicles, a make frequently targeted by young thieves.
The situation escalated when shots were fired at a victim during the second robbery on the 3400 block of Bloomington Avenue. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the gunfire. A third armed robbery occurred around 1:30 p.m. near 24th Street and Pleasant Avenue, prompting the activation of the city’s crime pattern response protocol.
High-Speed Chase and Arrests
The young suspects’ reckless actions led to a dramatic pursuit involving the Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, and State Patrol. The chase culminated in two crashes on Interstate 94 West near Cedar Avenue, with one crash involving four additional vehicles. All six juveniles were apprehended and treated for minor injuries at local hospitals before being booked into the Juvenile Detention Center.
MnDOT Traffic Cameras captured the ending of this pursuit where six juveniles were taken into custody after a spree of violent robberies in Minneapolis Tuesday morning. https://t.co/O6aYhY7o8K
— MN CRIME (@MN_CRIME) October 9, 2024
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara expressed frustration over the involvement of such young children in serious crimes. “The ages of those arrested in this incident are shocking and highlight the urgent need for intervention and support for our youth,” O’Hara stated. He praised the swift response of law enforcement in preventing further harm but emphasized the need for more comprehensive youth services and supervision.
Legal Proceedings and Community Response
All suspects have since been released from detention, with police continuing to search for other individuals who may have been involved. Charges being considered include auto theft, fleeing in a motor vehicle, and fleeing on foot. For those without prior criminal history, there is potential for diversion programs aimed at rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Six kids arrested after armed robbery spree, 2 stolen vehicle crashes in Minneapolis https://t.co/EX8PMH3RlR
— Max Nesterak (@maxnesterak) October 9, 2024
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty highlighted the need for a range of residential placements with varying security levels to address the complex needs of youth offenders. This incident follows a recent case involving a 10-year-old boy driving a stolen car recklessly across a school playground, further underscoring the growing concern over juvenile crime in the area.
Calls for Action and Prevention
Chief O’Hara has been vocal about his opposition to a state law set to take effect in 2026, which would raise the minimum age of delinquency from 10 to 13. He argues that this change could hamper efforts to intervene early in the lives of at-risk youth. The recent crime spree has reignited debates about the best approaches to juvenile justice and crime prevention in Minneapolis.
As the community grapples with these challenges, there is a growing call for more robust youth programs, increased parental involvement, and collaborative efforts between law enforcement, social services, and community organizations to address the root causes of juvenile crime and provide meaningful alternatives for at-risk youth.
Sources:
- 6 kids arrested after armed robbery spree, 2 stolen vehicle crashes in Minneapolis
- 6 juveniles arrested after armed robberies, crashes in Minneapolis
- Six kids arrested after string of armed robberies, crashes in south Minneapolis