Police search for suspect in Columbia Heights homicide

A search is underway for a man wanted in connection with what authorities are calling "a violent death" in Columbia Heights.

Law enforcement released few details about the early Thursday shooting of a 31-year-old man whose last known address was in St. Louis Park.

Columbia Heights police were called about a disturbance in the LaBelle Park Condos on 41st Avenue NE. around 4:35 a.m. The name of the victim has not been released.

An audio recording on the Police Clips website said a woman in the apartment called police, saying that somebody had broken into the apartment and was hiding behind her couch. She also heard gunshots, the recording said.

Shell casings were found on the floor and it is "a crime scene of some sort," an officer can be heard saying on the recording. "Multiple gunshot wounds and a victim down."

Authorities said the suspect, who goes by "Ox," is a new acquaintance of somebody who lived in the apartment. The suspect's full identity is not known by law enforcement, police said, but his description is as follows:

He is a black man, 5 feet 10 inches with a chubby build, shaved head and slight beard growth. He weighs about 220 pounds and goes by the nickname of "Ox." He should be considered dangerous and members of the public should not approach, but call police.

Columbia Heights police, the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office and the Anoka County Sheriff's Office are investigating. Anybody with information can call the Sheriff's Office at 763-427-1212. He is possibly driving a silver midsize vehicle, police said.