Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Andy Skoogman, 612-919-5918
Multi-Agency Carjacking Crackdown Results in more than 40 Felony Level Arrests
December 15, 2020 (Minneapolis, MN)- Members of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Violent Offender Task Force (VOTF) and the Minneapolis Police Department combined resources and expertise with the Minnesota State Patrol in a three-day, intensive carjacking crackdown. The joint operation, which took place late last week in Minneapolis, resulted in 41 Felony level arrests and the recovery of seven stolen vehicles and five guns.
Year to date in 2020, there have been 391 reported carjackings. That is a 320% increase of the same period of time in 2019. Investigators say suspects generally approach drivers, start a conversation and, once the opportunity presents itself, steal purses, cellphones, wallets and vehicles – sometimes at gunpoint.
Although these crimes are happening city-wide, the latest detail focused on areas where a high number of Minneapolis’ more than 355 carjacking incidents have occurred in 2020.
“Our VOTF deputies are highly trained experts in these types of targeted violent crime suppression efforts, Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson said. "When we combine our expertise with other law enforcement resources, we often have an immediate and significant impact on the safety of citizens.”
“I want to thank Sheriff Hutchinson and his VOTF for their help during this carjacking suppression detail and other similar operations we’ve done together in the past,” Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said. “We have a strong, long-standing working relationship between our two agencies that I’m confident will continue into the future to help keep Minneapolis safe for all.”
The Minnesota State Patrol provided aerial assistance during the operation that also led to 9 gross misdemeanor arrests and the confiscation of a pipe bomb.
Discussions continue between the HCSO and Minneapolis Police regarding a formal law enforcement services agreement, but no deal has been reached. Meantime, Sheriff Hutchinson says the HSCO will continue to offer assistance to Minneapolis- or any other Hennepin County city - when staff is able and the situation is appropriate.
The Sheriff also said there are ways drivers can decrease the likelihood they'll be a victim of carjacking.
Tips include:
- Park in well-lit areas
- Always be hyper-aware of your surroundings
- Equip your car with an anti-theft device
- Lock your doors while driving
- Don’t stop for apparently stranded strangers along the road. Note their location and pull over in a safe place once you’ve passed to call for help
- Look for people in the area that you are stopping/parking. If you’re not comfortable, consider driving away and parking elsewhere and call 911
– HCSO–
Look for more news on
the Hennepin County Sheriff's website at http://www.hennepinsheriff.org.
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