Kids Ages 11-14 Arrested In Violent Crime Spree In South Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS — Six juveniles, ranging in age from 11 to 14, were arrested following a string of three armed robberies in south Minneapolis on Tuesday, according to Police Chief Brian O'Hara.

The group included three boys, aged 11, 12, and 13, along with three girls, two aged 12 and one 14-year-old.

All six juveniles were hospitalized following crashes involving stolen vehicles. They are expected to be booked into the Juvenile Detention Center, police said.

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The crime spree began around 11:30 a.m. when police were alerted to an armed robbery in the 5100 block of 41st Avenue South.

Shortly after, officers responded to a second armed robbery in the 3400 block of Bloomington Avenue, where one of the suspects fired shots at the victim from a vehicle. No one was injured by the gunfire.

A third armed robbery occurred around 1:30 p.m. near 24th Street and Pleasant Avenue.

The similarities between the incidents prompted the activation of the city's crime pattern response protocol. The Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, and State Patrol "began flooding the area."

As reports of reckless driving poured in through 911, officers attempted to stop one of the suspect vehicles, which fled and ultimately crashed on Interstate 94 West near Cedar Avenue. Four additional vehicles in the vicinity were also involved in crashes related to the crime spree.

The six juveniles were arrested.

"Our Crime Pattern Response protocol continues to be an effective strategy to quickly locate and arrest those committing crimes of violence in Minneapolis," O’Hara said in a statement.

"The fact that I see this activity continuing with children so young - despite all our efforts - is incredibly frustrating and highlights the urgent need for action. I am grateful for the immediate response of law enforcement in finding and arresting these juveniles before they could cause more harm to members than of our community or themselves."