Investigation Continues, Community Heals After Shooting Of Minneapolis Police Officer
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Minneapolis police officers are sharing very little about the investigation into the shooting of an officer over the weekend.
Sources tell WCCO Officer Jordan Davis was shot in the shoulder while standing outside of his squad car early Saturday morning. Police say the wounded officer and his partner had been clearing the scene after someone called to report a burglary in the 1100 block of 24th Ave N.
After an 8-hour search, police arrested 43-year-old Andrew Neal in connection with the initial burglary call.
Officers would not say on Monday if they believe Andrew Neal was the shooter or if they are looking for anyone else in connection with the shooting of Officer Davis.
Inspector Mike Friestleben of the Fourth Precinct says the department is focusing on making sure the shooting of a police officer does not taint the work the department and community leaders have put in to try to improve relationships with the public.
"The community has been coming to the station we are getting filled up with cards, flowers, snacks," Friestleben said.
Friestleben says the north side community's outpouring of support represents progress.
"We have spent a great deal of time at community meetings and functions in the past couple of years," he said.
MPD says officers have set goals to attend more community events in the Fourth precinct and have worked more closely with organization like MAD DADS - a group of African American men and fathers that works to curb crime and build safer communities..
MAD DADS Founder V.J. Smith says he has noticed an improvement in police and community trust as well.
"We have a lot of good people doing a lot of good," Smith said.
Smith says that's why the shooting of Officer Jordan Davis on Saturday is even more devastating for the community.
Officer Davis has been with the Fourth precinct for one year.
"He is well-respected in the work he did and he is an outstanding brother," Smith said.
Officers say they are grateful officer Davis will make a full recovery from a gunshot to the shoulder, and they hope the shooting will not serve as a setback for a community that has been working toward healing.
"This is not common," Friestleben said. "This is one event from an individual. It won't affect how our police officers do their jobs."
The police department and MAD DADS want to keep the conversation going about community relations with police.
The public is invited to the Minneapolis Masjid Anur along 18th Ave N this Friday at 7 p.m. for a dialogue about moving forward.
