Police investigating 2 carjackings in Golden Valley

Authorities are investigating two carjackings that took place this week in Golden Valley.

According to Golden Valley police, the first happened Monday at around 11:15 p.m. at Breck Ice Arena.

The victim told police he was walking to his vehicle when a male wearing a dark-colored ski mask pointed a gun at him and demanded his car. The man said he tried to run but he fell and, after demanding his keys again, the suspect fled in the victim’s black BMW.

Wednesday, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office found the stolen BMW in Minneapolis, according to police.

“While this incident appears to be an isolated and random event, our investigators are following up on all leads to apprehend the subject involved,” Golden Valley Police Chief Virgil Green said. “We want to remind citizens to be aware of their surroundings at all times at night, park in well-lighted areas, and never attempt to fight back during a robbery.”

The victim didn’t report any injuries from the incident.

Then, on Thursday at around 9:20 p.m., officers were called to the 500 block of Utah Avenue South.

Police say the victim had just pulled into his driveway when a male holding a handgun and wearing a dark-colored ski mask ordered the victim to give him everything. He then fled in the victim’s black BMW.

Officers were able to track the victim’s phone, which was found in Minneapolis. His vehicle was also later found in north Minneapolis.

The department noted similarities between the two carjackings, particularly the same suspect description and type of vehicle stolen.

“While both of these incidents appear to be isolated and random events, the public needs to be more aware of their surroundings at all times and try to limit the amount of cash or other personal items within your vehicles,” Green added. “Also, ensuring that your technology devices are active will assist law enforcement in tracking and recovering stolen property.”

Both investigations remain active and no arrests had been made as of Friday afternoon.