MINNEAPOLIS — Homicide investigators are looking for suspects after a man was fatally shot on the north side of Minneapolis overnight. 

Police Chief Brian O’Hara said in a news release that squads were dispatched to the 3500 block of Penn Ave. N just before 11 p.m. after ShotSpotter technology activated. Officers arrived and found a man down, suffering from at least one gunshot wound. 

First responders immediately began lifesaving care and the victim was rushed to North Memorial Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. 

 “My thoughts are with the victim’s family,” said Chief O’Hara in a released statement. “This man’s loved ones will be dealing with an incredible loss during the holiday season. I urge anyone who may know information about what happened to contact our investigators.”

Homicide investigators arrived and began conducting interviews and looking at evidence in an effort to identify suspects. Video suggests the victim was shot outside a garage or in the alley, as investigators could be seen combing the ground with flashlights looking for evidence.  

Anyone with information on the shooting or those who might be responsible is asked to call police at 612-673-5845 or email MPD. Those who would like to stay anonymous can call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit tips electronically on the CrimeStoppers website.  

MILACA, Minn. — Like many Minnesotans and as a lifelong hunter and angler, Justin Cowden of Milaca typically spends the winter season outdoors. This winter, Cowden is forced to spend most of his time inside and on crutches after the electronically heated insoles he was wearing malfunctioned, exploded and left him with second and third-degree burns.

KARE reported on a similar case on Monday. Since then, more people have reported experiencing similar injuries.

Cowden purchased the insoles from the seller Meisinuo on Amazon in November of last year. The link to the product has since been taken down.

After wearing the insoles last winter with no issues, Cowden put them on once again for the first time this year on Nov. 30—the first day of muzzleloader hunting season. “I was sitting in the stand, and the sun just started to pop up and I heard a pop,” he recalled. “I was thinking the neighbor was shooting at a deer and then all of a sudden, the bottom of my foot just started rolling. I didn’t know what was going on, so I jumped up from my chair and I screamed because I felt the burning, and then I pulled my pant leg up and I saw the smoke coming out of my boot.”

Cowden said it took him less than 10 seconds to remove his boot. When he did, the insole came out in pieces and the battery was stuck to his skin. “I just ripped it off because I didn’t know what else to do. It was a scary situation.”

Cowden was told by specialists he sustained second and third-degree burns on his left foot. Three weeks later, he is still using crutches and following up with weekly appointments. Doctors told him his treatment could possibly require skin graft surgery. “It’s tough. It definitely is,” Cowden said.

At the Hennepin Healthcare Burn Center in Minneapolis, providers have treated three patients with similar cases since the start of this winter season. 

It’s something medical professionals are seeing more of, according to Hennepin County Medical Center’s Trauma Prevention Coordinator Kaytlin Hanson. 

“We’ve had three patients since the beginning of winter already come in with varying degrees of burns on the lower extremities from first to third-degree, and it is from these insoles malfunctioning or even exploding,” she said. “Our medical staff was kind of shocked. This isn’t something that we’ve seen necessarily in the past, so when you see something that’s all of a sudden, ‘Wow, we have three immediately right away this season,’ we definitely want to get the messaging out there that this is probably a product to stay away from.” 

Hanson recommends sticking to tried and true methods of staying warm. “We want you to be wearing some well-insulated boots that are well-fitting, waterproof, and then wearing those thick wool socks. That’s great and all the protection you should need.”

Cowden said he is sharing his story in hopes of warning others who are thinking of buying similar products. “It’s nice to have warm feet when you’re out hunting and fishing, but no, it’s not worth it to deal with that pain,” he said. “It’s the worst pain ever, and like I said, I wouldn’t wish it on anybody.”

HENNEPIN COUNTY, Minn. — While all this snow will open the door to winter fun in the days ahead, it is already proving challenging for area seniors who need help clearing it from their driveways and doorsteps. 

Gerrod Ernst is volunteering to make sure Judy Kipka’s sidewalks and patio are cleared, not just today, but all winter long. Though the Kipka’s have taken advantage of the program through Senior Community Services for several years now… They spent part of last winter on a waitlist that included 150 households.

While demand is still high, the volume of volunteers has been picking up. Though fresh snow also likely means fresh demand.

“The phones ring off the hook when there is snow like this because everyone needs help,” said Emma Friend with Senior Community Services. “They need it as quickly as they can get it because they need to leave their house to get to medical appointments, or they have medical professionals who they need to get in their home, and if the snow isn’t removed, they might just not come.”

Ann Baily says DARTS Healthy Aging Solutions, which covers parts of Ramsey, Dakota and Washington counties, had caught up to demand until Thursday morning. Which is why, if you’re willing and able, Ernst has a message for you.

“They can find ones near you or on your way to work, which is what I have,” he said. “As I commute, I can stop by here on my way to or from home, so it’s not really an inconvenience.”

If you’d like information on how to request help with shoveling or how to become a volunteer, click here.

In Hennepin county, KARE 11 is told the need is greatest in Plymouth and Brooklyn Park right now.