Minneapolis Police Department Reported 5 Arrested In Early Morning Incident

Press release from the Minneapolis Police Department:

March 18, 2021

March 18, 2021 (MINNEAPOLIS) – At 6:45 am, 5 officers occupying three squads, were asked to assist Minneapolis Health Department and Community Planning and Economic Development Department in the area of 2nd and Humboldt, a block away from an encampment. Due to site contamination, fire hazards, and other health and safety risks, the City is closing an encampment near Second Avenue and Girard Avenue North. Officers began stringing tape to cordon off the area so that equipment could be brought in and operate safely in the area.

Officers saw three male individuals down the block and observed someone had pushed dumpsters into the roadway. The three individuals approached officers and began to swear at them and taunt them. This loud behavior caused others to come out of a nearby home and engage in the same behavior.

The persons tore down the tape that had been placed up and began to throw snowballs at the officers and three squad cars on scene. Officers called for additional squads to respond as the behavior was getting increasingly aggressive and the officers were outnumbered.

As squads arrived, 25 – 30 people were actively challenging officers and pushing against their line. People began walking around the squad cars and one suspect physically attacked an officer. Officers attempted to arrest the attacker who continued to be actively assaultive. Additional suspects surrounded officers as they attempted to arrest the suspect who attacked the officer. A female, who was later arrested, jumped on the back of an officer and began to choke him. Additional people came and surrounded the officers. A help call was sent to all precincts for more squads to respond.

As more officers arrived, they attempted to push people back. An officer was tackled from behind and another officer was punched in the face.

As soon as enough officers arrived, additional arrests were made of people physically resisting. There were five people arrested total. As soon as the five arrestees were secured, officers cleared the scene.

Five officers were seen by paramedics for injuries sustained in the incident. All of the officers were cleared to go back to duty.

The Minneapolis Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit is reviewing the use force as is customary in use of force incidents.

This press release was produced by the Minneapolis Police Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.