Minneapolis, University of Minnesota say string of armed robberies in Dinkytown likely coordinated

Police in Minneapolis urged residents and University of Minnesota students to remain wary of their surroundings after a group of juveniles robbed, pistol-whipped and carjacked people during what are believed to be a coordinated crime sprees involving more than a dozen incidents Sunday and Monday.

University of Minnesota police issued a safety alert after the armed robberies in Dinkytown. The latest happened at about 10:30 p.m. Monday in the 1200 block of SE. 7th Street. An attempted robbery was reported near 8th Street and 9th Avenue SE., police said.

In both cases, three to four suspects wearing black sweatshirts with hoods up and black masks approached the victims. One of the suspects was armed with a gun and a second had a knife, police said.

The suspects were believed to be driving a gray BMW SUV without license plates, police said.

The victims were not associated with the U, which is nearby, police said.

At a news conference Tuesday, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said there were five armed robberies Sunday night and eight armed robberies and a carjacking Monday. One victim was thrown to the ground, and others were assaulted or pistol-whipped. None of those victims sought medical attention.

Investigators believe three men and one woman were involved in those crimes as part of two coordinated crime sprees. One of them may be under 18 and known to investigators because of previous run-ins with authorities.

O’Hara said the number of juvenile crimes has dropped in recent months, but he’s concerned that will change when youth have more free time and less adult supervision this summer.

“We have done a whole lot of outreach to juveniles who are most active. Our investigators go out at night, they go out on the weekends. They have developed relationships with a lot of these parents,” O’Hara said. “The police department isn’t the only component. This is not a police problem, this is a whole criminal justice system problem. This is a whole community problem.”

Monday’s crimes came after “multiple armed robberies” took place within a 30-minute span on Sunday. The holdups happened near 5th Street and 14th Avenue SE., in the 700 block of 11th Avenue SE., the 600 block of 10th Avenue SE., the 900 block of SE. 5th Street and in the 1100 block of Washington Avenue, police said.

In those cases, like Monday’s, the four suspects were described as males wearing black hoodies and sweatshirts and black masks. One of the suspects was armed, police said.

O’Hara asked anybody who sees the vehicle or has information to call 911. He also urged students and residents to stay vigilant and avoid going out alone at night.

“Unfortunately, we’re living in a city and we’re living in a time when people do need to be aware of their surroundings and try not to make themselves an easy target,” O’Hara said, advising people to walk in groups.

“Always remember: If someone does threaten you to take your property, the property can be replaced. Your life cannot.”