North Minneapolis Residents Brace For Decision On Jamar Clark Shooting Charges

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A decision on whether to charge two Minneapolis police officers in Jamar Clark's shooting death is expected Wednesday morning. The neighborhood that became the center of protests last fall is already bracing for that announcement.

But WCCO found there is a difference of opinion about what should happen and a hope for moving forward.

Fresh balloons and flowers blanket a tree on Plymouth Avenue North, featuring the face of a man who has sparked a movement.

Last November, the 4th Precinct became the site of 18 days of protests, three blocks from where police shot and killed Jamar Clark.

On Nov. 15, paramedics called for help after they say Clark interfered with an assault victim. The police union said when officer's arrived Clark reached for an officer's gun during a struggle. Some witnesses, on the other hand, said Clark was shot in the head while handcuffed.

Helen Arradondo, a neighbor, has learned by now, the looming decision on charging the officers is a charged conversation here.

"So far it's been peaceful, but I don't think it's the end of it," Arradondo said. "I really don't know what happened but there are two sides to every story. If they did do it, I think they should. But if they didn't do it, I think they shouldn't."

Raymond Robertson has already made up his mind.

"They should be charged for it," he said.

He's worried what a decision not to charge might mean for his north Minneapolis neighborhood.

"I'm very concerned about it. It gets awful dangerous out here," Robertson said.

Fencing erected more than four months ago around part of the 4th Precinct still remains. When asked if there were plans for additional protection, Minneapolis Police say they've made a number of plans for several different scenarios -- none of which they are comfortable talking about right now.

It's moving forward that many in the neighborhood seem focused on, awaiting the evidence and answers whatever they are.

"But if they didn't do it. Just let it go," Arradondo said.

Black Lives Matter said Tuesday on the day a decision is announced by the Hennepin County Attorney, people should gather at Elliot Park near downtown at 6 p.m.