Cellphone video captures carjacking; Minneapolis residents push city leaders for action

A group of Minneapolis residents told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS they will push the Minneapolis City Council’s Public Safety Committee for a “60-day emergency plan” to help reverse a rising tide of violent crime in the city.

Bill Rodriguez told KSTP he helped organize the group of people who plan on addressing the committee Thursday afternoon with a bold request to take immediate action on reducing crime.

“We need a 60-day emergency plan and we need leadership,” said Rodriguez. “Right now, the perception is there is no leadership, there are no communications as to what is happening and there is absolutely no law enforcement presence anywhere on these streets.”

Rodriguez said his south Minneapolis home was burglarized in the middle of the night while he and his wife slept in their upstairs bedroom.

“It was very scary, and we were lucky that we were okay, but it took 15 minutes for police arrive because they are so depleted right now,” said Rodriguez. “We need more officers and we need to see a plan from city leaders.”

Taylor Cunningham told KSTP he was assaulted and his car was stolen by at least three suspects. Additionally, they threatened his life if he did not give up his car keys and point out which car he owned.

“I did fear for my life at one point when they threatened to shoot me,” Cunningham said. “I am glad I am okay, but it was a very harrowing experience."

No arrests have been made in either case. The Minneapolis Public Safety Committee has a virtual meeting at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday.