MINNEAPOLIS — Since Friday, Minneapolis Police have responded to five separate homicides.
Police Chief Brian O’Hara said his investigation team is stretched thin, but he has help.
The BCA’s violent crimes task force is taking on one of the five cases, which can happen when MPD has staffing limitations.
O’Hara said a few of the killings are linked to drug activity. In terms of the amount of shootings, the city is seeing a similar number as last year, but in 2024 they more often result in deaths.
“We do need to do things differently because we simply don’t have the manpower the city had before we had this level of violence, let alone now,” O’Hara said.
A man was shot dead at Portland Avenue and 15th Street Wednesday night. Police are still looking for a suspect they say ran from the scene.
Austin Telthoester is receiving recovery treatment in the area and says violent crime makes it hard on everyone.
“I’d like to see more cleanup, more individuals getting hold up to their consequences for their drug use,” said Telthoester.
O’Hara said he is hopeful about the department’s future response to violent crimes. Since Minneapolis City Council has passed the police contract, recruitment numbers are the highest its been in years.
He says, however, considering the amount of resources and time it takes for recruits to be ready for patrol, it will be years before staffing levels stabilize.