Minneapolis, MN
Teen charged for shooting fireworks at Minneapolis police
Crowds recklessly shoot off fireworks in Mpls
It was another chaotic year for the Fourth of July in Minneapolis this year, with videos posted to social meeting showing people recklessly shooting off fireworks. The Stone Arch Bridge was closed overnight in an effort to restrict access to the pedestrian bridge (it reopened at 6 a.m.) with the hope of avoiding a repeat of what happened last year on July 4th. But that’s exactly what happened – just not on the Stone Arch Bridge.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A teenager is facing charges for allegedly shooting fireworks at Minneapolis police officers at Boom Island on the Fourth of July.
Hennepin County prosecutors charged a 17-year-old boy from Columbia Heights in juvenile court with felony second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and fleeing a police officer for allegedly shooting fireworks at squad cars.
According to court records, the teenager was one of a group of 40-50 people who were setting off mortar fireworks and Roman candles toward vehicles at Boom Island Park.
Minneapolis resident on fireworks chaos: ‘I felt afraid’
When officers responded to the call around 11:30 p.m., the juveniles were allegedly shooting fireworks at officers’ vehicles. As the responding officers initiated the squad car lights, the juveniles shifted their aim toward their vehicle and began shooting fireworks, charges said.
July 4 chaos: Fireworks shot at Minneapolis cops
Youths in Minneapolis brazenly launch fireworks at a police squad car amid July 4 festivities that turned chaotic in Dinktown, despite proactive measures taken by officials to maintain order. (Video from Twitter user @Salah_Prime)
The officer said they feared for their safety as the fireworks went off directly in front of their windshield and passenger side window, charges said.
After the 17-year-old set off the fireworks, he ran from officers through the park and was taken into custody in the main parking lot. He allegedly admitted to police he shot fireworks, according to charges.
Mpls resident on fireworks: ‘I felt afraid’
It was a terrifying night for some residents, as large groups of young people set off fireworks across Minneapolis, sometimes directing the explosives at people and law enforcement officers. The morning after the July 4th chaos, FOX 9 spoke with residents about the overnight chaos.