MPD officer shot in line of duty honored for service

Emily Baude KSTP

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An officer who was shot and injured in the line of duty earlier this month was honored for his service in a special ceremony on Thursday.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara awarded Officer Jacob Spies the department’s Medal of Honor. He was also the first recipient of the Departmental Purple Heart.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, law enforcement officials from various agencies and Spies’ family were also in attendance and gave brief statements.

Spies, a seven-year veteran of the department, was injured during a shooting on Aug. 11 in which he was struck by gunfire in the shoulder.

He was released from North Memorial Hospital at around 1:15 a.m. on Aug. 12, with dozens of officers in attendance.

Tonight a 7-year veteran of the MPD assigned to 4th Precinct CRT was shot in the line of duty. Personnel from MPD, our local LE partners, and many from nearby agencies gathered at NMMC in solidarity to show support and honor our officer once he was discharged from the hospital. pic.twitter.com/EUI8p9q69O
— Minneapolis Police (@MinneapolisPD) August 12, 2023

Four suspects, including one juvenile, were arrested in connection with the shooting, officials say.

MPD has identified the adult suspects as Nevaeh Page, Freddy Davis, Jr., and Jamin Bowman, all 19, and two have been charged.

Nevaeh Page, Freddy Davis, Jr., and Jamin Bowman, all 19 years old, were arrested for probable cause second-degree assault after the shooting (Courtesy: Hennepin County Jail)

Spies remains on medical leave, according to the department.