BEMIDJI -- Bemidji Police Chief Mike Mastin released several updates on Thursday evening related to a shooting incident that resulted in a vehicle crashing into a power pole on 23rd Street Northwest on Wednesday evening.
According to the original release from Mastin, at 6:11 p.m. on Wednesday, May 12, Bemidji Police officers and Beltrami County deputies responded to the 600 block of 23rd Street Northwest on a report of witnesses hearing several gunshots, as well as seeing a white vehicle crashing into and breaking down a power pole.
As officers and deputies arrived on the scene, witnesses informed police that the two males who fled the area ran southbound and may have gotten into a silver Nissan with dark tinted windows and black rims. These males were further described as one wearing a red sweatshirt with red sweatpants and the other wearing all black clothing, the release continued.
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"Through investigation, Bemidji detectives have learned that the incident appears to have begun with a verbal exchange between the driver of the white BMW and two males who were walking along the north side of 23rd Street NW," Mastin said in the Thursday release. "The driver stated that during this verbal exchange the two individuals began to fire shots at his vehicle and he attempted to escape the area, eventually striking a utility pole."
According to the release, the victim described the two males as Native American males, short in stature, with one wearing a red sweatshirt with red sweatpants and the other wearing all black clothing. The suspects ran southbound towards Irvine Avenue.
Officers, deputies and detectives working the scene spoke with numerous witnesses and learned approximately 21 shots were fired at the vehicle, striking numerous areas of the vehicle and a nearby business. Detectives are continuing to work on this case and canvass the neighborhood looking for any video of the incident, the release said.
"As officers and detectives continue to work this very active case we ask that anyone with information contact law enforcement immediately," Mastin said in the release. "Do not approach the individuals as they may be armed and dangerous."
Anyone with information about this crime can report it and stay anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers of Minnesota at www.crimestoppersmn.org or calling (800) 222-8477.
