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St. Paul cop wont face criminal charges in deadly shooting

ST. PAUL (MN) — The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office has announced that it will not be filing criminal charges for the fatal police shooting of Howard Peter Holliday Johnson, which occurred on December 5, 2022. Ramsey County prosecutors reviewed the investigation by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and concluded that St. Paul police sergeant Cody Blanshan’s use of deadly force was legal under Minnesota law. In an email sent to his staff, John Choi of the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office said that Sergeant Blanshan responded to a report about a domestic violence as described in your memo. Your memorandum concludes, in the end, that the use by Sergeant Blanshan of deadly force was justified under Minnesota Law. I agree with the conclusion you reached and commend the thoroughness of your analysis of the evidence collected by BCA investigators. “I also appreciate that Jeff Noble was retained as a police force expert to help us and the public better understand the circumstances surrounding this officer-involved fatality, including the tactics used by responding officers.” Just days after the shooting, St. Paul Police released the body camera footage. Choi requested that BCA release “all public data” from this investigation as quickly as possible. BCA reports that St. Paul Police responded to Earl Street near Hudson Road shortly after 6 pm on Monday to reports of domestic violence. Investigators reported that the 911 caller said Johnson was armed and that officers had formed a perimeter at the scene. A woman left a store on Hudson Road at the same time and got in her car. The BCA reported that Johnson pointed a gun towards the woman’s vehicle as she started driving away. Blanshan was seated in a squad vehicle nearby, as part of the perimeter. According to the video, Blanshan told his radio “He’s there.” “He is walking eastbound.” He’s got the gun in his hand. He’s pointing at a vehicle, he is trying to carjack. Investigators claim that Blanshan then hit Johnson with his squad car, knocking him down. “Don’t do it!” Johnson shouts. Johnson got up and fired at Blanshan. He was killed. Blanshan did not suffer any injuries. Investigators claim that officers handcuffed Johnson before EMS arrived and administered first aid. He was taken to Regions Hospital where he later died. BCA agents reported finding a Glock Pistol in.45 calibre and three bullet casings of.45 calibre at the scene. The BCA also said that they found 10 9 millimeter cartridge cases, which “could be consistent with the department handgun Blanshan used.” Source by [author_name]

Driver still at large after deadly Minneapolis crash involving stolen Hyundai

MINNEAPOLIS — People in Minneapolis were frustrated Wednesday after police said someone driving a stolen vehicle took an innocent life. The accident occurred at North Washington Avenue and 21st Avenues around 7:30 pm on Tuesday. Paper Cutz Barber Shop is owned by Jaycee Cargill, a barber. Cargill stated, “We keep a pretty positive vibe here.” Tuesday was a very heavy day – and a really sad one. The crash occurred just feet away from the front door of the shop. Cargill stated, “All of a sudden, you hear…I don’t think I even heard brakes…it just sounded like ‘boom’.” CBS The police say a driver in a Hyundai that was stolen crashed into a classic vehicle’s driver, and then fled. Cargill stated, “By time I got out of the house he had already started running up the road.” The victim was the most dramatic part of the scene. Cargill said he saw first responders try CPR but it was already too late. He said, “As soon as I saw the guy on the ground…I knew he was severely hurt.” “This car theft situation, we have to act now.” The police tell WCCO that this is a part of a larger problem they’re trying to solve, as dozens of vehicles are stolen every day. Between July 11-17, 163 vehicles were taken – 63% of which were either KIAs and Hyundais. WCCO reported that Hyundais and KIAs were more susceptible to theft. Now, the hope is that no more lives will be lost. Cargill stated, “We need to act now on this stolen car issue.” The Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said his office was still conducting a civil investigation into the automakers KIA & Hyundai. Ellison stated that “at the end of it all, they have moral responsibility and we will find out if they have legal responsibility.” He claims that the companies are partly responsible for the increase in thefts, including the more than 100 reported in Minneapolis last week. “The thieves who steal cars are wrong in every way and should be held responsible. Ellison added that corporate responsibility was also an issue. “They need to make the cars as safe as any other car on the road. But they aren’t doing that.” Ellison, along with other attorneys general, were denied a recall request in March. Ellison insists that this will not stop his office from pursuing a possible lawsuit. Ellison stated that “they still may be sued under theories such as negligence, nuisance, and other things.” Ellison refused to say when or if a suit would be filed. However, he said that if your KIA, Hyundai, or other vehicle has been stolen, you should call his office. No arrests have been made in the deadly accident that occurred on Tuesday. The victim is yet to be identified. Source

The remains of a second missing woman were also found in a storage unit. A man accused of murdering the previous victim is a person of interest

Police said that the remains of a woman who went missing have been discovered and a man accused of murder in the case involving another woman missing last week is a person to watch. St. Paul Police announced that they had received information regarding another missing woman connected to Jorgenson. Joseph Steven Jorgenson, (Courtesy the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office). Last week, police reported that Fanta Xayavong was last seen in July 2021 with Jorgenson, possibly in Shoreview. Police recently launched a missing persons investigation because she hadn’t reported her missing. Investigators in the case of Xayavong, who disappeared last week, found human remains at a storage facility in Coon Rapids. They executed a search warrant there and discovered a body. The remains were identified as Xayavong’s, from Lakeville. Police are investigating the death of Xayavong as a homicide. Starren died of homicide as well. Her remains were discovered in a Woodbury unit last week. According to St. Paul Police, both women were in a relationship with Jorgenson. Source

BCA investigates Oakdale incident where Minneapolis man died in confrontation with police

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigates an Oakdale incident where a Woodbury officer fired non-lethal rounds of pepper balls at a man’s car without realizing that the man had already died. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the deceased as Keith Lavance Lewis of Minneapolis. Lewis died from a gunshot to the head. The BCA did not specify whether or not the gunshot was self-inflicted. Oakdale Police had previously stated that he shot himself. According to an initial investigation, the incident occurred at 4:30 am on Wednesday morning in Oakdale. Officers approached a car parked near 1200 Glenbrook Avenue. Lewis was found asleep in the car by the officers. According to the BCA, when they woke Lewis, he had a gun in his hand. They began to retreat behind their squad car, but then heard a shot. Unaware that Lewis was already dead, the officers called for backup and brought in squads from other departments including Woodbury Police Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office. According to the BCA, Woodbury officer Alec Gulbranson fired pepper-ball rounds at the vehicle to try to convince Lewis that he had died. After confirming that he was dead, the officers cleared the area for crime scene investigators, who found a.40 caliber pistol. BCA officials confirmed that all officers were wearing body cameras at the time of the incident. They are also reviewing all video footage as part of the investigation. This is done on the request of Oakdale Police Department. The BCA will submit its findings to the Washington County Attorney’s Office without making a recommendation for charges. Source

Fire in St. Pauls Highland Park may have been caused by fireworks. 30 people displaced.

The fire department reported that an apartment fire in St. Paul’s Highland Park caused about 30 people to be displaced and estimated damage of $2 million. The fire that occurred on Saturday afternoon did not result in any injuries. According to Deputy Chief Roy Mokosso, investigators discovered firework debris near the place where the fire began. Residents reported hearing fireworks before they saw flames on the grass. The police are helping with the investigation. On July 8, 2023 in St. Paul, a fire started on a lawn in the 1300 Block of St. Paul Avenue. The fire spread from the trees that were against the apartment to the attic above third-floor flats. (Courtesy the St. Paul Fire Department). About 4:20 pm on Saturday, firefighters responded to reports of a grassfire on the lawn of a building in the 1300 Block of St. Paul Avenue. Mokosso stated that wind gusts of up to 22 mph, as well as dry conditions, contributed to the rapid spread of the fire from the trees in front of the apartment building into the attic above the third-floor apartments. Mokosso stated that firefighters put out the fire with “extensive efforts” after the building was evacuated. Over 60 firefighters responded to the incident and remained on site for more than four hours. The Minnesota Red Cross has provided temporary shelters and other assistance to residents of the 17 units. The estimated $2 million damage to the building structure and contents is 2 million dollars. Source

The MN weather: Severe storms could bring hail and damaging winds

TWIN CITIES MN — Storms with large hail and damaging wind are possible Monday in Minnesota, including the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. The National Weather Service reported that “scattered showers and thunderstorms will develop in the afternoon ahead of a frontal cold, particularly across eastern MN and western central WI,” These storms will gradually move to the southeast. Highs of 90 degrees will be expected to start the workweek. Tuesday temperatures will drop. Here is the NWS specific forecast for the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport. Monday: Showers and thunderstorms are likely, mostly after 4pm. Sunny with a high of 92. West southwest wind between 10 and 15 mph. Monday night: Showers and thunderstorms are likely, mostly before 8pm. Low around 59. Partly cloudy. West northwest wind between 5 and 15 mph, becoming northward in the evening. Tuesday: Sunny with a high of 80. North wind 5-10 mph. Tuesday night: Showers and thunderstorms are possible between 2am-5am. There is also a chance for showers to occur after 5am. Low around 61. Mostly cloudy. Winds from the northeast at 5 mph, becoming east-southeast after midnight. Probability of precipitation 30% Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms are possible before 11am. Then, showers may occur between 11am-2pm. High near 80. Mostly sunny. East wind 5-10 mph. The chance of precipitation at 30%. Wednesday night: Showers and thunderstorms are possible after 2am. Low around 63. Partly cloudy. South southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph. Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms are possible. High near 83. Mostly sunny. West wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation 30% Thursday night: Showers are likely, especially after 2am. Low around 65. Partly cloudy. West northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph. Becomes south southwest after midnight. Friday: Showers are possible, and thunderstorms may also occur after 2pm. High near 84. Mostly sunny. West wind between 5 and 10 mph. The chance of precipitation at 40%. Friday Night: Showers and thunderstorms are possible before 2am. There is then a chance of rain. Low 64. Mostly clear. West southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph. The chance of precipitation at 40%. Saturday: There is a 20 percent chance for showers and thundershowers. Sunny with a high of 83. West wind between 5 and 15 mph. Saturday Night: There is a 20 percent chance for showers and thunderstorms. Low around 63. Mostly clear. West northwest wind between 10 and 15 mph. Sunday: Sunny with a high of 81. West northwest wind between 10 and 15 mph. Source

East Metro: Some severe storms are possible on Monday afternoon.

According to the Twin Cities Office of the National Weather Service, there’s a possibility of severe weather on Monday afternoon or evening in the east metro. Meteorologist Melissa Dye says that if these storms are to develop in the Twin Cities area, they will most likely do so over Ramsey Dakota and Washington Counties. The NWS warns that the main threats are large hail, damaging wind and frequent lightning. Heavy rains are a secondary risk. On Monday, July 10th, 2023, scattered severe storms could affect the Twin Cities’ east metro area in the evening and afternoon. Illustration courtesy of National Weather Service office in Twin Cities. Dye, in a Monday interview, said that Wisconsin may be the state facing a greater storm threat. It’s best to get out of the house before late afternoon if you’re looking to take advantage of Monday’s warm weather, which will feature sunshine and temperatures in the nineties. Dye explains that storms could appear anywhere between 4 pm and 6 pm. By sunset on Monday (8:59 pm), things should be quiet. Dye tells us that “it’ll be done by 9 pm.” The rest of the week will be milder, with temperatures hovering around the 80s. Dye said there’s a possibility of showers but not enough for the drought to be eased. Source

St. Paul: Water Street/Plato Boulevard sewer project closes eastbound Plato Blvd

The project, near the intersection between Water Street and Plato Boulevard at St. Paul, has caused traffic to be closed on eastbound Plato from Wabasha Street to Ohio Street until November. St. Paul Public Works expects the road to be reopened by November 22. Closure began on Monday. The westbound lanes of Plato will be open only to one-way traffic. Enter Wabasha Street from Ohio and use the westbound lanes on Plato to access businesses between Wabasha Street. Continue westbound along Plato, and then head eastbound onto Water Street towards Wabasha. Access to businesses and driveways will be maintained. Wabasha Street is closed to all through traffic south of Plato Boulevard as of June 20. The street is expected to reopen on August 31. The construction of the sanitary sewer will take place in 2023 and 2024. This is to increase sewer capacity and satisfy the demand for new housing developments, such as the Buhl Investors’ multi-building Farwell-on-Water mixed-use project, which is being built on seven acres. Sewer work includes removing and installing sanitary sewer pipes and building a new liftstation. Xcel Energy is also working on Wabasha Street between the bridge and Plato Boulevard during the entire project. Source

Metro Transit is working to change its negative perception as ridership increases.

MINNEAPOLIS – The new police chief attributes the increase in ridership on Metro Transit’s light rail to several changes made on the ground. The biggest challenge facing the LRT is overcoming the negative perception. Ricky Greer, a passenger, said that he has always had positive experiences. “It’s pleasant. Greer said, “I think it’s really nice.” Robin Lund’s reality is different. Lund stated that “people who are threatening and people who obviously are not here for commute” are the worst. “They are here to sell drugs.” Metro Transit Police Chief Ernest Morales III said he rides the Blue Line with his wife. The first six stops were quite comfortable. We were thrilled. We thought, “Wow, this is a great system.” Then, we hit Frankin, and then Cedar-Riverside. Then we hit Lake [Street]. Morales said, “It’s as if the floor has fallen out from underneath us.” Chief Ernest Morales III CBS Morales may have seen what WCCO did a few month ago: open drug use, and drug exchanges. The ride on Monday was uneventful. Security was present on the train, the platform and the entrances to the stations. MSP Airport had new signage. New murals and construction were visible at the Lake Street station and Target Field. Morales stated that if you take care of your property, and clean it up properly, others will follow. Metro Transit’s Homeless Action Team is working to make buses and light rail safer Transit officials claim that they did, particularly during Pride Week and Taylor Swift concerts last month. Overall, ridership has increased by 23%. Officials say that reported crimes are also on the rise. But Chief Morales said that this is a result of more proactive police activity. I will encourage everyone to return to the system. He said that numbers make us safer. The chief says that his biggest challenge, despite only being in the job for four months, is recruiting. The force still lacks more than 60 officers but has much to be proud about. Source

The Most Common Causes of Water Damage in Minneapolis and What to Do About Them

Water damage is one of the most common reasons homeowners file home insurance claims. It’s also the most destructive type of disaster a property can experience, causing more damage than a fire would and resulting in higher repair costs. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help prevent water damage. One of the most common causes of water damage is leaky pipes. This is caused by corroded or weak pipe joints, high water pressures, extreme temperatures, and broken water connectors. Leaks may be obvious, such as a drip from a leaking shower or puddle under a sink, but they can also be hidden and difficult to find. Regardless of the cause of the leak, it’s important to get it repaired as soon as possible. Another common cause of water damage is flooding from sewer backups. While this is rarely a result of homeowner negligence, it can be extremely disruptive and expensive to clean up. Flooding from sewage is often accompanied by an overwhelming stench and can lead to the contamination of household furnishings and personal items. It’s also important to keep up with regular maintenance and cleaning of your gutters. This will help to prevent water damage Minneapolis MN by preventing dirt and debris from building up in the gutters, which can clog them. If your gutters become clogged, it’s important to clear them out immediately before heavy rain or snowfall occurs. Poor or unmaintained appliances are another leading cause of water damage. This includes aging water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators. It’s important to regularly check your appliances and replace or repair them as needed. If you notice any signs of rust or corrosion on an appliance, contact a water restoration company right away. When a home experiences severe water damage, it can quickly spread throughout the property. The porous materials found in a typical property, like wood, drywall, and carpeting, will absorb the water and begin to break down. This can cause rotting and staining in walls, floors, and furnishings, and it may even lead to structural damage. Water damage can also encourage the growth of dangerous mold spores. This is because the excess moisture provides an ideal environment for them to thrive in. Mold spores are extremely allergenic and can cause a variety of health problems, including sinus infections, allergies, and bronchitis. If left untreated, mold growth can spread to other areas of the house and create more serious health issues. There are many warning signs of water damage that homeowners should look out for, including cracking foundations, rusted or corroded pipes, peeling paint and wallpaper, sagging floors, and stains on the ceilings or walls. If you suspect you have water damage in your Minneapolis, MN home, call a professional right away to avoid extensive and costly repairs. It’s also a good idea to move any valuable items to a safe location before attempting to dry them on your own. Also, be sure to turn off any electronics that have come into contact with water and remove all perishable food from your fridge and freezer. Service Restore Pro 3300 County Rd 10 Minneapolis MN, 55429 612-488-9558

Take it low and slowly: Why ER doctors are worried about the growing buzz of THC drinks

MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesotans see green. The new marijuana law has had an immediate impact on the availability and popularity of drinks containing THC. THC is the main ingredient in hemp and cannabis, which gets you high. Josh Maslowski of STIGMA Cannabis Co. in the Twin Cities told WCCO News that “we’ve seen a massive rise in popularity.” There are more THC beverages available in Minnesota than anywhere else in the country combined. And secondarily, I believe it offers a non-alcoholic option in a market which is trending in that direction. Since edibles containing hemp derived THC became legally legal on July 1, 2020, the market for THC has skyrocketed. Maslowski noted that the rules for beverages were not as clear when gummies, chocolates, and other edibles began to hit store shelves. RELATED: Minnesota hemp-derived THC business prepares for pot pivot This uncertainty was resolved this spring with the passage of the greater cannabis bill. The new law allows distributors and liquor shops to sell the product almost immediately. Dispensaries will not be introduced until the year 2025. CBS STIGMA Cannabis Co.’s latest product is a drink in the Arnold Palmer style. Maslowski also said that a Club Soda was on its way. The cans have 10mg THC in them, which is equivalent to two servings. Maslowski explained: “You can be more productive the next day, because you don’t feel hungover.” We’re focusing on beverages, while we wait for the legislation on high-dose cannabis and traditional dispensaries to be passed. The trend for drinking alcohol is one direction and the cannabis trend is the opposite. Alcohol is known for its risks both short- and long-term, as well as its impact on behavior. THC, meanwhile, is not only a newly emerging market but also a brand new experience for its users. Therein lies the danger, according to Dr. Jon Cole. He is a toxicologist, and director of Hennepin County Poison Control. Dr. Cole stated, “It’s a completely different buzz. It could be a risk for people who don’t know how cannabis works. You can’t just copy and paste what you experienced with alcohol to THC. “They are completely different drugs and medication.” Maslowski stated that STIGMA’s drinks activate the THC within 20 minutes. Dr. Cole, however, said it could take an hour or longer for the consumer to feel the full effect. Many novice users may think they can continue drinking at first. He said that they use the drug too quickly, not realizing that its effects take time to manifest. “I have seen patients stop using and then the effects increase. It’s very unpleasant. “They feel very miserable. The latest data available from Poison Control shows that between 50 and 70 patients reported overdoses every month between January and May 2023. Dr. Cole says that the most severe symptoms in adults are excessive vomiting and hallucinations. How to make hemp-derived THC edibles in Minnesota Children who have access to unsecured drinks or gummies at home are more likely to be exposed. When children consume large amounts of cannabis they can become unconscious and need ICU-level care. Dr. Cole’s message to adult THC users is: “Take it slow and low” when using THC products. This includes beverages and edibles. He said that people don’t say to a bar, “I’m going to have 2 grams alcohol.” “With cannabis it’s all about how many grams or milligrams you consume of THC. You have to start at the beginning and learn about how THC and cannabis affect you. Josh Maslowski, from STIGMA, agreed. He said, “If you are a beginner, it is important that you take some personal responsibility for your cannabis use.” Source

Derrick Thompsons first court appearance results in a bail of $1M for his crash that killed five

Derrick John Thompson was charged with criminal vehicular murder in a crash which killed five young girls. He made his first appearance before the court on Friday, and bail for him was set at one million dollars. Thompson, son of John Thompson, former Minnesota Rep. representing St. Paul East Side, did not address the court in his short time at the courtroom. There were no family members or victims of Derrick Thompson in the courtroom. Derrick John Thompson (Courtesy of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office) Thompson, who had broken his hip last Friday in the Minneapolis accident, was wheeled into the courtroom from the Hennepin County Jail. Derrick John Thompson, Courtesy of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Judge Carolina Lamas said Thompson was qualified to be a public advocate. Lamas, with defense attorney Marecca vertin holding back on bail arguments, set Thompson’s bond at the $1,000,000 requested by the prosecution. Thompson is being held in jail because he had been on parole for a California conviction. He will also likely be placed under a federal hold, because the U. S. Attorney’s Office charged him last week. According to charges, a trooper saw Thompson speeding through a red traffic light in a sports utility vehicle at 95 mph, in a zone where the speed limit was 55 mph, before abruptly exiting Interstate 35W. The crash killed Salma Mohammed Abdikadir (20), of St. Louis Park, Sabiriin mohamoud Ali (17), of Bloomington, Sahra Gesaade (20), of Brooklyn Center, Sagal Burhaan Hissi (19), of Minneapolis and Siham Adan Odhowa (19), of Minneapolis. Thompson, 27, has also been charged with federal possession of fentanyl, and a gun, which were both found in the vehicle following the collision. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Minnesota made the announcement on Thursday. Thompson was found guilty in 2020 in California for a case from 2018, in which he had fled officers in his vehicle and hit a woman. She was in a state of coma for a few weeks. Thompson is still on probation for the case. Source

Third teen charged in North St. Paul shooting with aiding and abetining murder

The bail of a third person charged with aiding in the murder of a North St. Paul man was set to $10 million on Friday. The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office requested a high bail because Octavion Jones, 19 had nine warrants for other cases at the time he was arrested. Anthony R. Rojas was found dead in an apartment located in the 2100 Block of North McKnight Road, on Monday evening. Officers found two empty and open gun safes, as well as a 3D Printer in the apartment. According to the criminal complaint in the homicide, it appeared that Rojas used the printer to make lower receivers for handguns. Octavion Jones (Courtesy the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office). The complaints stated that a confidential informant had told law enforcement about a person called “23” or “Octavion”, who “were supposed to rob him of the ghost weapons, but shot him instead.” Ghost guns, which are made privately and have no serial numbers, cannot be traced. Octavion Rayshawn Jones (Courtesy of the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office) A 911 call was made Monday morning, less than ten minutes after the officers arrived at the scene of the murder. The 911 caller reported that a male juvenile with a handgun in his pocket had dropped two bags containing handguns, less than a half mile from the apartment. The bags contained 15 handguns. The complaints also stated that investigators discovered Rojas had posted a picture on social media 12 hour earlier, which showed him lying in bed with thousands of dollars cash at his apartment. The money was not found by law enforcement. The complaint against Jones stated that Jones’ cell location “pinged at Rojas residence” until shortly after the murder. After the shooting, Jones closed down his social media account. La Vida Rose Martinez (also known as Lavida) and Steven Lawrence Terry are both 19 years old and have been charged with aiding in the murder. Bail was set at $200,000 for each. Source

A mixed-use development is underway on St. Pauls West Side

Construction is under way on Farwell-on-Water, a new mixed-use neighborhood on St. Paul’s West Side. According to Edina-based investment firm Buhl, the 7.25-acre site will include market-rate housing and affordable housing as well as artist studios, offices, a restaurant, and a public green space of one acre. This architectural rendering shows the one-acre green space that will open to the public in the summer 2024 as part of the Farwell-on-Water district on St. Paul’s West Side. (Courtesy of Buhl Investors) The construction of the $113 Million project is expected to be completed next summer. The rents for the affordable units have yet to be determined, but they will be available for people earning up to 50% of median area income. St. Paul mayor Melvin Carter spoke at a ceremony of a ceremonial ground-breaking on Friday morning. He was joined by developers Pete Deanovic, Harrison Mohagen. The project was described by Deanovic, the founding principal of Buhl Investors as “a place where art, culture, and community can flourish.” The project overlooks the St. Paul Cathedral and downtown St. Paul. The former Farwell, Ozmun, Kirk & Co. building, which housed artist’s studios on 102 Water St., is included in the development. The project will include 221 units at market rate and 63 units with income restrictions, including seven units for housing support services for those who are homeless or disabled. Source

Twin Cities hit by overnight storms that bring downed trees and damage

MINNETONKA (Minn.) — The storms that swept through the Twin Cities over night and into Wednesday morning brought down many trees and branches. The strong winds blew a large tree down onto two cars, covering a good portion of Minnehaha Avenue. The strong winds also knocked down a light post. A huge tree branch fell onto a car about a block from the scene on 34th Street. The owner reported that his car was mostly unharmed with only some minor damage to the windshield. Huge tree down off Minnehaha Avenue now covering much of the street. Toppled onto two trees and took out a light pole. @WCCO pic.twitter.com/iKIZY13AkI — Pauleen Le (@PauleenLe) August 3, 2022 Hennepin County reports that the official highest wind speed at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport was 62 mph. Eden Prairie recorded the highest wind speed at 50 mph and Falcon Heights 52 mph. The emergency manager of the county said that most of the damage was caused by branches, not entire trees. Xcel Energy reports that 135,000 customers from Minnesota and western Wisconsin lost power overnight. Since then, more than 70% of the connections have been restored. At 6 p.m., there were fewer than 10,000 customers in the metro area without power. According to the company, situations that pose a threat to public safety such as downed live wires are given top priority for repair. A WCCO crew was on 31st Avenue when they saw police on the scene of a motorcycle accident. There were also a large tree branch and a dead body nearby. Police have not yet provided us with any more information about the incident and whether or not it was related to weather. Nathan Eklund, a homeowner in Golden Valley, says that big storms have meant little sleep for him. Eklund stated, “I thought it might be a street sweeper going by. [laughs]” “It was loud enough to awaken us from a dead-sleep.” On Wednesday morning, tree shrapnel rained down on the entire neighborhood. Eklund said, “There was a large branch in the side yard and the backyard was littered by branches and other stuff from the tree.” Hennepin County Emergency Management director Eric Waage said they always warn people about the dangers associated with storms at this time of the year. This is our peak period. Waage stated that “we always expect to be hit by the weather in summer.” “This would be the Christmas season if we were in retail. But we’re not.” Benjamin Torell, a resident of Golden Valley, says that he is glad to have the right channel on at the right moment. It was great to get a heads-up. WCCO was a great help last night. “The power was on, and they came into the room and warned us that it was coming,” Torell stated. “We put our plans into action quickly, which gave us a 10 minute head start. Then it was as if a switch had been flipped.” Experts tell WCCO the storms and wind from last night would have brought down a lot of trees in normal conditions. Because the ground is so solid, the trees stay put. It’s only the branches that are being thrown. Waage explained that “with the hard, dry soil you had more branches snapping than trees toppling or falling over.” These branches knocked the power out for tens and thousands of people including Eklund’s neighbors. As the clouds begin to clear, Eklund says he is focused on its silver lining. It was lucky that nobody’s home, or anything really large, came down. He said that it seemed like the situation could have been much worse. Source

A RESIDENTIAL PROJECT IS PLANNED IN THE COMO NEIGHBORHOOD

Plans for a residential building at the corner Hennepin Avenue SE and 18th Avenue SE have been approved. A new four-story structure will be built on the site of an existing one-story commercial building at 1714 East Hennepin Avenue, in the Como area. The new building will have 27 apartments, which are ideally suited for students at the University of Minnesota or other area colleges. It also has a single-level enclosed parking. The building’s residential units will be sized from 631 square feet to 942, with alcove, two-bedroom and one-bedroom designs. The building’s amenities include a shared area and a bike storage room/lounge on the ground level. Many units also have private balconies. The building, designed by Minneapolis-based Collage Architects will feature a modern exterior clad with brick, metal panels, aluminum siding and glazing. The parking will be on the first-floor of the building, with 24 spaces and access via 18th Avenue SE. Ironmark Building Co., based in Minneapolis, will develop the project. The Minneapolis Planning Commission approved the plans for 1714 E Hennepin Avenue on April 10, 2023. Construction will begin this year, and should be completed by fall 2024. Source

After a search that was ruled illegal charges were dismissed in a fatal north Minneapolis crash

A woman has been cleared of felony charges after a judge decided this week that the police had used evidence from a search conducted in violation of constitutional rights to get her to confess to being involved in a fatal accident in north Minneapolis. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office dismissed the charges of criminal vehicular murder and criminal vehicular operations against Khyan Whitley, 35 of Minneapolis. She was charged in relation to the wreck on Nov. 13, 2021 that resulted in the death of Jonneekwa S. Donald (30) of Minneapolis. The charges stated that Whitley’s vehicle “may have run a traffic sign and then T-boned (the victims’] car” in the 1400 Block of N. Morgan Avenue. The license plate was written down by a passerby who saw the car driving away. The criminal complaint stated that Whitley confessed to the police on Dec. 8 and said she had fled the scene and covered her car because she did not have a license or insurance. Whitley had not held a valid license since 2008 when it was suspended. In her filing for dismissal, Assistant County Attorney Kali Gardner stated that “the state is no longer capable of meeting its burden with suppressed proof… involving a improper search and the fruits that followed.” The defense first raised the issue in October, and District Judge Paul Scoggin threw out the confession because the police “pulled the vehicle cover up enough to see the license plate,” leading them to Whitley’s confession. The prosecution lost in May when it went to the Court of Appeals for the revival of the confession as evidence. Scoggin denied this week the latest attempt by the prosecution to have the confession readmitted. The County Attorney’s Office then conceded and dropped the case. Sarah Shah, spokeswoman of the County Attorney’s Office said on Friday that “the charges cannot be refiled.” Michael Donald, Jonneekwa Donald’s brother, stated that he was “in disbelief and mad at the courts” when he heard of the dismissal. He and his wife, who raise their four children in Minneapolis, have added two of the three boys, aged 9 and 13, from his sister. Michael Donald said, “We’ve been through a lot.” It’s crazy at times. We must go after [Whitley] in a civil manner. “Sometimes it’s crazy.” Scoggin’s final ruling cited the exact police conduct he said violated Whitley’s constitutional protection from unreasonable searches and seizures. Two police sergeants visited Whitley’s house about 3 1/2 weeks after her crash. They saw that a cover was draped over the car but that “extensive damages” were still visible. One sergeant lifted the cover to reveal the license plate. It matched that of the plate seen by a witness as the car fled the scene. The plate identified Whitley as Whitley. The sergeants seized the car, knocked at the door, and spoke with Whitley’s child, who stated that his mother wasn’t home. Whitley was able to meet with the sergeants after they left their contact details. When she was asked about the damage on her car, Whitley admitted that she had been involved in the accident. Scoggin wrote that “[Whitley] would have given a different answer if she had not been faced with the illegally seized evidence, front-end damage on her car and the fact it was seized by police.” The sergeants’ illegal searches also eliminated any possibility for [her] of providing an innocent explanation. The court found that this factor favored [Whitley]’s statement, a fruit from the poisonous tree. Source

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