MINNEAPOLIS- What began as a late round of drinks at an Uptown Minneapolis bar escalated into a violent incident as witnesses describe a driver intentionally hitting a man on the corner of Lyndale Ave S and 26th Street.
Minneapolis Police spokesperson John Elder confirmed that the driver then sped away southbound on Lyndale Ave S. The victim, identified as 39-year-old Tarrince Emmanuel Winbush, was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center by ambulance. According to Elder, Winbush suffered serious injuries and remains alive but in critical condition.
"We have a very good description of the suspect and the vehicle," said Elder, who added that several witnesses came forward with detailed accounts. Police are also said to have recovered part of a light from the vehicle.
Bryan Johnson, a bar manager at The Bulldog, said the incident began with a fight over a bar tab. After the victim and the driver were asked to leave the bar, Johnson said, the victim was trying to hail a cab when the driver revved up the vehicle and hit the victim at full speed.
"[The victim] went up in the air like 15 feet or so. One of his shoes was probably 50-60 feet away from his body. So obviously, [the driver] was trying to hit this guy and put him out," said Johnson.
According to police and witnesses, the driver also hit an empty parked vehicle and struck down a parked scooter.
Police officers closed off Lyndale Avenue S and 26th Street for more than 2 hours, allowing investigators to gather evidence, re-construct the crime scene, and take down information from witnesses.
"We have very few incidents like this in this particular neighborhood," said Elder.
"It sucks to see something like this happen, because it puts a black-eye on the neighborhood," said Johnson.
According to a post on the Minneapolis Police Department's Facebook page, the suspect's vehicle is described as a maroon, Mercury-type vehicle with 4 doors.
"It's sad to see this. I hope the guy is okay," said Johnson. "It's senseless."
Anyone with any information about this case is asked to send a text to 847 411 (tip 411), enter MPD and the tip or call the tipline at 612-692-TIPS (8477). All texts are anonymous.
