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Tuesday September 8, 2020
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MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Police are investigating two carjackings in Minneapolis that happened late Monday afternoon, one of which targeted a prominent community activist.
Officers responded at about 3:48 p.m. to the 2800 block of Franklin Avenue East on a report of an armed robbery and carjacking. During the robbery, the victim — Twin Cities Somali activist Abdirizak Bihi — was sprayed with a chemical irritant to force compliance of stealing the vehicle.
Officers observed the stolen vehicle in the area and a traffic stop was initiated. The vehicle fled the scene and the officer pursued.
After a brief pursuit, the suspect hit a support column in front of the Courtyard by Marriott hotel on Washington Avenue South. Police took a juvenile boy into custody.
At 4:09 pm, police responded to a report of an assault and carjacking in the area of 14th Avenue South and 18th Street East. Police learned that an adult woman was sprayed with a chemical irritant and her vehicle was stolen.
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Authorities later located the vehicle, and it was found abandoned.
Minneapolis police spokesperson John Elder has confirmed it is likely these carjackings are related.
The investigation is underway.