Operation targeting robberies, carjackings nets 46 arrests in Minneapolis; carjackings up 301% in 2020

Nearly 50 people were arrested during a three-day joint law enforcement operation targeting those responsible for violent robberies and carjackings in Minneapolis.

According to Minneapolis Police, officers worked with deputies on the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Violent Offender Task Force and received air support from the Minnesota State Patrol from Jan. 26-28.

During those three days, officers arrested 46 people on 69 felony charges. Officers also recovered 15 firearms and 12 stolen vehicles, six of which were occupied at the time.

Police said the felony-level arrests included probable cause charges of carjacking, drugs and weapons violations, and auto theft and fleeing police.

"Our objective is simple: to protect innocent people from becoming victims of extremely violent crime," Sheriff David Hutchinson said. "This joint operation, like the one before it, was targeted and laser focused at getting the most serious criminals off our streets."

Officers also conducted a similar operation in December.

10 charged with crimes after arrests by carjacking task force

Police said one warrant served at a Minneapolis home during the recent operation resulted in the finding of seven weapons and led to two arrests on outstanding felony firearms and narcotics warrants.

"A few months ago, we ran a similar detail. We saw a reduction in these types of crimes," MPD Chief Medaria Arradondo said. "We promised our residents at that time that if necessary, we would run this public safety detail again. We continued to watch the data and listened to our residents. As you can see from these numbers, the need was there. The Minneapolis Police Department, and our law enforcement partners, continue to be committed to addressing violent crime that has impacted parts of this City."

MPD also noted that there were 405 carjackings in the city last year, an increase of 301% over 2019.

Police offered the following tips for drivers to reduce the likelihood of being a carjacking victim:

• Park in well-lit areas,
• Always be hyper-aware of your surroundings,
• Equip your vehicle with an anti-theft device,
• Lock your doors while driving,
• Don’t stop for apparently stranded strangers along the road. Note their location and pull over in a safe place to call for help.