MINNEAPOLIS — The Minneapolis Police Department and Minneapolis Park Police are investigating a death Sunday afternoon at a homeless encampment at Minnehaha Regional Park.
According to Minneapolis Police Department spokesperson John Elder, a man was found inside a tent just after 12:15 p.m. during a welfare check. Elder said the man was showing signs of trauma, and when officers checked on his condition, it was discovered that he was dead. The cause of death and the identity of the victim will be released by the Medical Examiner.
Officials say it is being treated as a "death investigation" at this point as investigators continue to gather more information.
This location, which had around 28 tents as of late December, is one of the encampments set to be demobilized later this week, according to officials.
"It is heart-wrenching,” say community volunteer, Ronnie Guy.
Ronnie Guy, with Twin Cities Relief Initiative, was on his way to the site to help people pack their belongings, when he got the news.
“Unfortunately, something tragic here happened today, and we are not able to go past the yellow caution tape,” says Guy.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board passed a resolution allowing people experiencing homelessness to stay in Minneapolis parks in June, but later limited the amount of parks where people could set up and the number of tents allowed.
A notice posted at Minnehaha Park says residents have 72 hours to vacate.
Superintendent Al Bangoura with MPRB states the park is "simply not safe for residence," citing concerns ranging from cold weather conditions, medical emergencies to crime and violence.
While community volunteers, like Guy, continue to help people here, investigators are asking anyone with information about the death, to come forward.
“As officers arrived on scene, numerous individuals in the encampment thought those officers were here for the eviction process and fled on foot,” says Elder. “We believe that those are witnesses to what transpired or people that will have information."
The MPD is asking that anyone with information call the Homicide Unit at 612-673-2941 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Tips may be submitted electronically at www.CrimeStoppersMN.org. All Tips are anonymous and persons providing information leading to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a financial reward.
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