MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Minneapolis Police say a man faked a 911 call about being robbed near Minnehaha Park late Tuesday night in an attempt to harm officers responding to the call.
The incident happened at about 11:40 p.m. Tuesday near Minnehaha Parkway West and Bryant Avenue on the south side of Minneapolis.
Authorities say the man called police, saying that he had just been robbed at knife point by a group of people. When police responded to the scene, the man claiming to be the victim attempted to ambush two Minneapolis Park Police officers.
Police said the man stabbed two officers, sending one female officer who is a four-year veteran to Hennepin County Medical Center with a wound to her upper torso. She also suffered a head injury after falling to the ground.
The male officer was stabbed in the chest with a knife, but the officer was not harmed because he was wearing body armor that was protecting him. The officers involved were not required to wear their protective vests, but in this case they did. Next year, it will be a requirement for all officers in Minneapolis.
The male officer then shot the suspect.
“I heard what sounded like three pops or something, and I thought it was just fireworks,” said one resident in the area.
Authorities identified the suspect Wednesday afternoon as 38-year-old Marsenior Pede Johnson. He admitted to calling 911 to lure officers to the area in attempt to hurt them. Johnson is still at HCMC under guard, but will be booked in the Hennepin County Jail on probable case second-degree assault when he is medically able.
Hospital workers recovered a second knife in Johnson’s clothes when they began treating him.
Police say Johnson has been charged-and-or convicted of 13crimes, including motor vehicle theft, domestic assault and disorderly conduct.
The incident put residents in the area on alert as it’s usually a quiet, welcoming neighborhood. The trails along Minnehaha Creek are popular for walkers, runners and bikers. People who live in the area said it’s a safe and quiet place to live, typically free of any crime.
Police said it appears to be an isolated incident, and no other suspects are being sought at this time.
“It’s a little bit frightening, especially in the wooded areas down here. It seems secluded. I would not go out after dark, I would be afraid to,” said Jeff Nerenberg, who lives in the area.
