
Six children, ages 11 to 14, were arrested in Minneapolis after a two-hour armed robbery spree involving stolen vehicles and multiple police pursuits.
At a Glance
- Six juveniles aged 11-14 committed armed robberies using stolen Kia vehicles
- The crime spree ended with two crashes on Interstate 94
- Shots were fired during one robbery, but no injuries were reported
- All suspects were treated for minor injuries and released from detention
- Police Chief Brian O’Hara expressed concern over the trend of youth involvement in serious crimes
Juvenile Crime Spree Shocks Minneapolis
A series of armed robberies committed by children as young as 11 years old has left Minneapolis residents and law enforcement reeling. The crime spree, which lasted approximately two hours, involved six juveniles – three boys aged 11, 12, and 13, and three girls, two aged 14 and one aged 12. The young suspects used stolen Kia vehicles to carry out their crimes, highlighting a disturbing trend in youth-related auto thefts.
The incidents began at 11:30 a.m. on the 5100 block of 41st Avenue South with an armed robbery. A second robbery occurred on the 3400 block of Bloomington Avenue, where shots were fired at the victim from a vehicle, though fortunately, no injuries were reported. A third armed robbery took place around 1:30 p.m. near 24th Street and Pleasant Avenue.
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
Law Enforcement Response and Arrests
The escalating situation prompted the activation of the city’s crime pattern response protocol, involving the Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, and State Patrol. As law enforcement closed in, the suspects attempted to flee, leading to a dramatic chase that ended with two crashes on Interstate 94 West near Cedar Avenue, involving four additional vehicles.
All six juveniles were arrested following the crashes. They were treated for minor injuries at local hospitals before being booked into the Juvenile Detention Center. One 14-year-old suspect remained hospitalized in stable condition. Despite the seriousness of their alleged crimes, all suspects have since been released from detention, with police continuing their search for other potential accomplices.
Concerns Over Youth Crime Trends
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara expressed deep concern over the involvement of such young children in serious crimes. This incident follows a recent case where a 10-year-old boy with extensive police contact drove a stolen car recklessly across a school playground. Chief O’Hara highlighted the urgent need for more youth supervision and services to address this alarming trend.
The police chief also criticized a state law set to take effect in 2026, which will raise the minimum age of delinquency from 10 to 13. O’Hara urged for its reversal, arguing that such measures could hinder efforts to intervene effectively in cases involving very young offenders.
Legal Proceedings and Intervention Efforts
Authorities plan to charge the juveniles with auto theft, fleeing in a motor vehicle, and fleeing on foot. However, those with no prior criminal history may be eligible for diversion programs. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty emphasized the need for residential placements with varying security levels to address the complex needs of youth offenders.
The case has reignited discussions about the effectiveness of current juvenile justice policies and the need for more comprehensive approaches to prevent youth crime. As the community grapples with these challenges, law enforcement and social services are working to develop sustainable solutions to deter such activities and provide necessary support to at-risk youth.
Sources:
- Authorities say six juveniles ranging in age from 11-14 are in custody
- 6 juveniles arrested after armed robberies, crashes in Minneapolis