Minneapolis, MN
Community activists demand action after Davis Moturi was shot by John Sawchak
MINNEAPOLIS — Community activists are demanding action a week after Davis Moturi was shot by his neighbor while doing yard work outside his south Minneapolis.
The man, identified as John Sawchak, is charged with four counts: second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault with the intent to inflict great bodily harm, stalking and harassment.
“The leadership of both the mayor and police chief are not acceptable of reforming Minneapolis Police the way they must be reformed,” said Michelle Gross, Communities United Against Police Brutality President.
The shooting happened after months of harassment nearly 20 police reports and several arrest warrants out for Sawchak.
Officers finally took the accused shooter into custody Monday following a high-stakes standoff five days after the shooting.
“The fact that a man could shoot his neighbor and sat in his house for five days with no repercussions is unacceptable,” Gross said.
Now community activists will be the ones calling for the city’s top leaders to step down during Thursday’s council meeting.
Last week, the Chief O’Hara said they were playing it safe waiting to arrest the suspect where he would be least likely to have access to firearms.
During a press conference Monday after Sawchak’s arrest, Mayor Frey said he stood by the actions of MPD.
In a statement Chief O’Hara promised a “full review” and to implement changes adding “this is the least we can do in the ongoing effort to become the department the community demands.”
Communities United Against Police Brutality demand:
-An independent 3rd party to investigate how MPD handled the matter
-the city TO immediately pay for Moturi’ medical bills
-and Police Chief O’Hara to be fired
In a statement from the mayor’s office in response to those demands,
“Mayor Frey supports the post-incident review of this tragic incident. He extends his condolences to the victim, his wife, and their family and friends.
Brian O’Hara will continue to be the Minneapolis Police Chief.”
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis leaders split over ShotSpotter contract
Minneapolis leaders are divided over whether to keep paying for ShotSpotter as the city weighs a new contract for the gunfire detection system.
A public hearing at City Hall focused on the technology as Minneapolis negotiates a new contract with SoundThinking, the company that provides ShotSpotter. Deputy Chief of Investigations Travis Riddle told the council the system supports gun violence strategies and can alert police no later than 60 seconds after shots are fired.
Critics at the hearing said the technology is not proven enough and argued the money could be spent in other ways. The proposed deal would cost $3.7 million through 2029 and would expand ShotSpotter into new areas of Minneapolis.
“We have actually had a contract with SoundThinking for their ShotSpotter services since 2014, and even with this technology for over 12 years now, MPD’s solve rates for homicides and non-fatal shootings were some of the worst in the country,” Council member Robin Wonsley said.
Council members pushed back on the long-term proposal and said they want a one-year deal instead. Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw disagreed with concerns raised by her colleague during the debate.
“In my opinion, and in folks I’ve heard from the North Side who have shown up here time and time again to say that we want this technology, we believe that ShotSpotter is a tool that the police use to save lives,” LaTrisha Vetaw said
City Council is set to take up the issue again on June 17. Minneapolis police are expected to return with a one-year contract instead of the three-year contract brought forward at the hearing.
Minneapolis, MN
Cantus vocal ensemble takes on Dolly Parton hits
Premiere vocal ensemble, Cantus is bringing the songs of Dolly Parton to the stage with fresh interpretations. The show will cover her classics like “Jolene,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.” Cantus Presents, COVERS: Dolly & Friends runs through June 7th at the Luminary Arts Center at 700 N 1st St. in Minneapolis.
Minneapolis, MN
Motorcyclist seriously injured in north Minneapolis hit-and-run
Minneapolis police are investigating a hit-and-run that left a man seriously injured Tuesday afternoon.
The crash happened near Oliver Avenue North and Lowry Avenue North just before 2 p.m., according to the Minneapolis Police Department.
Investigators say an SUV struck another vehicle, which then collided with a motorcyclist. The driver of the SUV then fled the scene.
The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries. Police say the driver of the other vehicle was not injured.
No arrests have been made as of Tuesday night.
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