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Authorities, parents discuss concern about rising youth car theft
As County Attorney Mary Moriarty announces a new coalition to curb youth crime, parents are also sharing concerns about auto thefts and law enforcement response.
MINNEAPOLIS — The Hennepin County Attorney is teaming up with local law enforcement in a new collaboration to curb the recent string of auto thefts involving juveniles, even as parent groups express their own concerns about youth crime and the law enforcement response.
“We know our youth are in crisis,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said at a news conference. “What we are trying to do is intervene … because we cannot ignore the early warning signs.”
The new effort involves collaborative meetings between law enforcement and a team made up of county attorneys, child protective services, social workers and educators to identify and share information about at-risk youth. The group can then contact families and connect them with community resources.
Moriarty said the string of car thefts started with a viral online video showing kids how to easily steal certain models of cars; some of the youths involved have been as young as 10 years old.
Moriarty said the goal of the new collaboration is to intervene early to avoid escalating criminal activity and keep kids out of the criminal justice system.
However, when kids are arrested, the county attorney’s office will now work to reach charging decisions more quickly: within one day for youths admitted to juvenile detention, and within five days for kids who are not detained.
Cases involving kids who flee law enforcement will also now be subject to judicial review.
“This model seeks to challenge the traditional model of court-ordered intervention at the end of a charged case,” Moriarty said.
A group of Black parents, community members and youth organizations planned to hold their own noon news conference to discuss concerns about the rise in youth car thefts and high-speed police chases conducted in response.
“It is highly concerning that there have been an abnormally high number of incidents involving our young people, alleged stolen vehicles, dangerous car crashes, and high-speed chases involving police,” attorney, civil rights activist and Wayfinder Foundation Executive Director Nekima Levy Armstrong said in a statement ahead of the news conference. “With summer upon us and the school year coming to an end, it is likely that we could see an increase in these dangerous circumstances that put young people and the public at risk of harm. We can’t stand by and allow this to happen on our watch. There are lives and futures at stake and these challenges require investment in youth employment opportunities, recreational programs, and mental health services.”
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SouthWest Transit tests out self-driving cars
New autonomous driving vehicles are hitting the roads in Eden Prairie.
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — SouthWest Transit tested its new self-driving vehicles in Eden Prairie Wednesday.
Riders will be able to travel to and from specific stops using the “Spare” app. SouthWest Transit also says this will connect riders to residential areas, workplaces, and shopping. It will also include a stop at the Southwest Light Rail.
“It’s really exciting for me, but I think it’s exciting for Eden Prairie and it benefits our residents and our businesses,” said Eden Prairie mayor Ron Case.
“We really believe in a future where everyone has access to mobility no matter who they are or where they are, and this represents more than just an advanced piece of technology, it’s a commitment to expanded access,” said vice president of customers with Space, Quinn Kliman.
The service is free and will run on weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
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16-year-old injured in north Minneapolis shooting
Police say the shooting occurred in an alley between Oliver Avenue North and Penn Avenue North at around 5:30 p.m.
MINNEAPOLIS — Police are investigating after a teen was injured in a shooting Wednesday evening in north Minneapolis.
The Minneapolis Police Department was called to an alley between Oliver Avenue North and Penn Avenue North at around 5:30 p.m. on reports of a possible shooting. When officers arrived, they found a 16-year-old boy who had been shot.
Police say the teen heard a vehicle and gunfire before realizing he had been shot.
Officials say the boys is expected to survive, and no arrests have been made.
*This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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Hit and run crash leaves 10-year-old girl hurt in Minneapolis
Police say it happened near Lowry and Sheridan Avenue N.
MINNEAPOLIS — A 10-year-old girl was taken to the hospital Wednesday after being hit by a vehicle.
It happened near Lowry and Sheridan Avenue N, according to Minneapolis police, shortly before 8 p.m.
Police say the girl was running across the road when she was hit by a grey SUV that did not stop. Her injuries were described as non-life-threatening.
No one has been arrested in the case yet, according to officials.
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