BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. — Police are investigating a shooting in Brooklyn Center after gunfire was reported in the 5600 block of Xerxes Avenue, prompting a response from multiple law enforcement agencies and the detention of four juvenile boys.
According to the Brooklyn Center Police Department, officers were called to the area at approximately 5:30 p.m. following reports of a shooting. As police began responding, they learned that four juvenile males believed to have been involved in the incident had fled from the area on foot.
The situation quickly escalated into a foot pursuit when two officers from other law enforcement agencies, who happened to be in a nearby parking lot for a prisoner exchange, witnessed the shooting and saw the group fleeing. The officers pursued the juveniles and were able to detain all four.
Police said that one of the four juveniles is believed to have been directly involved in the shooting. Investigators are continuing to determine the exact role, if any, of the other three juveniles.
Handgun Recovered During Search
During the foot chase, officers observed one of the juveniles either hide or drop an object, according to police. A K-9 team was subsequently brought in to search the area.
The search led officers to a handgun equipped with an extended magazine. Investigators also recovered six or more spent shell casings from the area.
The discovery of the firearm and shell casings is expected to play an important role as investigators work to determine what happened before, during and immediately after the shooting.
One Person Injured
One person involved in the incident later transported themselves to a hospital for treatment. Police said the person’s injuries were not considered life-threatening.
At this stage, investigators have not determined the person’s exact involvement in the shooting. Authorities are working to establish whether the individual was a victim, witness or otherwise connected to the incident.
No additional injuries have been reported.
Initial Reports Suggested Officer-Involved Shooting
Police initially received information suggesting the incident could have involved an officer-involved shooting. However, the Brooklyn Center Police Department later clarified that no officer discharged a firearm during the response.
The clarification is significant as investigators work to separate the initial reports from the facts established at the scene.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are expected to examine physical evidence, witness accounts, surveillance footage and information gathered during the detention of the four juveniles.
Multiple Agencies Assist Investigation
The Brooklyn Center Police Department received assistance from several law enforcement agencies during the response and investigation.
Agencies assisting included the St. Louis Park Police Department, Brooklyn Park Police Department, Metro Transit Police Department and Robbinsdale Police Department, along with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. Crime laboratory personnel and Minnesota State Patrol aviation resources also assisted.
The coordinated response allowed officers to quickly pursue and detain the juveniles and secure potential evidence connected to the shooting.
Authorities have not released the identities of the juveniles, and additional details about possible charges were not immediately available. Because they are juveniles, their cases may be subject to different legal procedures and privacy protections.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including what led to the gunfire and the roles played by each of the individuals detained.
Anyone with additional information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Brooklyn Center Police Department.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further updates are expected as authorities determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and review the evidence recovered at the scene.
