Park PD Stabbing Suspect: 'I Wanted to Hurt Some Cops'

From the moment Minneapolis Police told KSTP.COM two Park Police officers stabbed in the line of duty had responded to a false robbery call, we wondered why something like this would happen.  The suspect provided a very simple answer. 

According to a criminal complaint, 38-year-old Marsenior Pede Johnson said, "I wanted to hurt some cops."

Officers Katherine Hammes and James Huber were sent to Bryant Avenue and Minnehaha Parkway in South Minneapolis at 11:30 Tuesday night.  A man had called 911 to report a robber had taken $300 from him at knifepoint.

When Officers Hammes and Huber got to the location, a Minneapolis Police spokesperson said Johnson waved to them.  Believing he was the victim, the officers, wearing their uniforms, got out of their squad car and approached Johnson.

"As Johnson approached the officers he said he had been robbed though he kept one hand concealed in his pocket," said the spokesperson.

Officer Huber ordered Johnson to take the hand out of his pocket.  The spokesperson said Johnson "did not comply and continued to approach."  Officer Huber tried to push Johnson away.  That's when the spokesperson said Johnson pulled a knife out of his pocket and stabbed Officer Huber in the chest.

Thankfully, he was wearing a protective vest that "prevented the knife from seriously injuring or killing him," according to the spokesperson.

Officer Hammes was standing near the squad car.  The spokesperson said Johnson ran toward her "wildly flailing the knife."  She ducked, was stabbed in the back of the neck, then fell to the ground, striking her head.

"Johnson then stood over (Officer Hammes) and was preparing to stab her again when (Officer Huber) fired his service weapon," said the spokesperson.

Officer Hammes was treated at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) for her stab wound and a concussion.  On Thursday, the spokesperson said she was recovering at home.

Both officers are on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure in cases where deadly force is used.

Johnson was still at HCMC Thursday.  The criminal complaint said Huber fired three shots.  In a news release, the spokesperson said Johnson was being treated "for his gunshot wound(s)."

On Thursday, the Hennepin County Attorney charged Johnson with two countys of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree.

This isn't the first time the people of Minneapolis have had reason to be proud of officers Hammes and Huber.

Officer Hammes joined the Park Police as a non-sworn Park Patrol Agent in 2007.  In 2008, she was sworn in as a Police Officer.  Her service doesn't stop when her shift ends.  Her work for Special Olympics of Minnesota has earned her eight letters of appreciation.

Officer Huber started in 2001, also as a non-sworn Park Patrol Agent.  In 2004, he was sworn in as a Police Officer.  He has been recognized by the department for his work training in new Park Patrol Agents.

Both officers have been recognized, in writing, by the Minneapolis Police Department for their help in investigating felonies.  Officer Huber has two such letters in his file.

On Thursday, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Superintendent Jayne Miller called Tuesday's attack on the two officers "vicious."

"This incident is a testament to the dangers police officers face on a daily basis," said Miller.  "These officers reacted swiftly and courageously and we are extremely grateful they were not more seriously injured or killed.  I commend these officers and our entire Police Department for their dedication and commitment to the park system and the community."