Six Minnesota Kids Arrested After Attacking Woman and Stealing Her Car

Minneapolis, MN (MinnesotaNow)– Six juveniles were arrested in connection with a violent carjacking in Northeast Minneapolis, according to a press release from the Minneapolis Police Department.

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According to the release, the incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on February 7, when a 62-year-old woman was assaulted while walking away from her vehicle. A group of juveniles exited another vehicle, tackled her to the ground, stole her car keys, and fled in her vehicle.

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Three hours later, officers found the stolen vehicle near Plymouth Avenue North and Logan Avenue North. Police say they got help from some parents of the juveniles involved, which helped identify the car’s location.

When officers attempted a traffic stop, the vehicle fled. The Minnesota State Patrol’s aviation unit took over the pursuit, tracking the stolen car while officers followed at a safe distance. The vehicle eventually stopped near 8th Avenue North and Queen Avenue North, where six juveniles exited and hid in a nearby garage. Police established a perimeter and successfully apprehended the suspects without further incident.

The arrested individuals, five boys and one girl, range in age from 11 to 15 and were booked into the Juvenile Detention Center. One of the juveniles, a 15-year-old boy, was wanted for attempted murder, according to the MPD press release.

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MPD Chief Brian O’Hara credited collaboration between MPD, the Minnesota State Patrol, and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office for the successful arrests. He also mentioned the need for systemic changes to prevent juvenile offenders from re-entering the criminal justice system.

“I am thankful for recent investments in facilities designed to address youth behavior issues. However, the gap that allows juveniles to cycle in and out of the system remains." O'Hara said in the release. "We need increased urgency among all leaders in our community and in government to address this issue. The current system is failing, putting our youth, their victims, and even our officers at risk.”

Impact of the MPD Curfew Task Force

The MPD press release also highlighted the role of the department’s Curfew Task Force, launched in August 2024 in response to violent incidents involving juveniles. Initially created to address curfew violations, the task force has expanded to include direct outreach with at-risk youth and their families.

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Since its inception, the task force has contributed to a 66% decrease in new youth offenders involved in violent crime and nearly a 40% reduction in overall juvenile violent crime and auto theft.