One woman has died after a vehicle drove into a crowd of people in Minneapolis during protests against the recent police shooting of Black man Winston Smith.
In a statement to Newsweek, Minneapolis Police said they were monitoring a protest in the area of West Lake Street and Girard Avenue South when they observed, on camera, a vehicle travelling eastbound on Lake Street and drive into a group of protesters at around 11:39 p.m. on Sunday, June 13.
One adult female was taken to hospital in a very critical condition. She was later pronounced deceased at hospital as a result of the crash.
Two injured protesters were transported to Hennepin County Medical Center via ambulance with non-life threatening injuries.
Video on social media appears to show the moment that the suspect driving the car was pulled out of the car. Police said protesters hit the suspect while detaining him.
Police said the suspect is now in custody and being treated at an area hospital. Officers have not been able to establish a motive at this time.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that the use of drugs or alcohol by the driver may be a contributing factor in this crash,” a police spokesperson said.
The Medical Examiner will release the identity of the victim, along with the nature and cause of death in the days to come.
Crime Lab personnel responded to document the scene and collect evidence. Homicide detectives are involved and working with the Minneapolis Police Department’s Traffic Investigative Unit.
There have been a number of protests in the city over the killing of Smith, who was shot by U.S. Marshals at a parking ramp in the Uptown area of Minneapolis on June 3.
The shooting a couple of weeks after the one year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, which sparked worldwide Black Lives Matter protests.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Tips may be submitted electronically at www.CrimeStoppersMN.org. All Tips are anonymous and persons providing information leading to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a financial reward.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
