Minneapolis Police are on the scene of a shooting in south Minneapolis near Lake Street and Clinton Ave near the AutoZone. The shooter has fled the scene in a vehicle. MPD say they believe only one shooter was at the scene.
MPD reports now that six people have been injured and one person dead. The victims are five men and one woman. All six of the injured victims are expected to survive.
"This level of violence is sickening and unacceptable," says Police Chief Brian O'Hara who says it appears at least one of the victims was targeted.
O'Hara says the weapon used was a high-velocity rifle that did a lot of damage.
"It's obvious from the injuries suffered here, the significant damage those types of rounds can do to the human body. It's gross," O'Hara says.
According to O'Hara, many of the victims appear to have been just "hanging out" in the area with at least a few of them running away from the scene after being shot. There is also damage to some of the vehicles in the area.
WCCO's Taylor River reports a minivan with its back window shot out and smashed, with at least two bullet holes visible within the taped off perimeter.
"It's deeply disturbing, it's the middle of the day, obviously we're standing next to a high school," says O'Hara who says thankfully, more people aren't dead. "We believe about 30 rounds were fired according to Shotspotter."
O'Hara would not commit to calling it gang activity even though one person is believed to be a target.
There were multiple choppers flying overhead, and neighborhood business owners and residents gathered as well to try to piece together what happened and assist the police investigation.
Loretta Arradondo's son works at the AutoZone near where the shooting took place and she tells WCCO that her son is safe, but she's horrified by what happened in the neighborhood.
"I am very happy that the police presence are here, taking care of this. I'm glad that there's helicopters underway. But frustrated, exhausted. I grew up in this city and it's changing so much," said Arradondo.
No arrests have been made yet, but O'Hara says they are working several leads and gathering video. There are multiple cameras in the area.
"We remain committed to doing everything we possible can to reduce significant street crime," O'Hara adds.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Minneapolis Police.