People living in south Minneapolis gathered at Pearl Park Wednesday night to hear what police are doing about a rash of crimes in the area.

Mitch Lies and seven other friends were hanging out in his backyard this past weekend when two strangers, one of them armed, robbed them.

"I turned around right away as soon as he put the gun in my face and didn't look back." said Lies.

Lies and his friends handed over their wallets and cell phones and the men fled.

About 24 hours later, police believe the same men showed up at a different party on 10th Avenue South. This time they shot a man. That victims remains hospitalized, but is expected to be okay.

Police reassured neighbors they have increased patrols in the area. They are also offering a reward for information leading to an arrest in this case.

Officers told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS they have not ruled out whether this robbery is related to a homicide that happened nearby in July, or to an armed robbery that happened in St. Paul last weekend.