Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara addresses the community after John Sawchak shot his neighbor.
Minneapolis’ chief of police is promising reforms after acknowledging that his department “failed” a shooting victim.
Despite nearly 20 police reports and multiple active warrants, the suspect, a neighbor of the victim, went unarrested for six months. Tragically, before authorities could apprehend him, he was shot. The accused shooter was finally taken into custody overnight following a tense standoff.
Minneapolis Police Department Press Release Re: John Sawchak Shooting Arrest
Public information release
Sgt Garrett Parten
(Cell) 612-673-5800
(Email) PolicePIO@minneapolismn.gov
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara Pledges a Full Review of the Department’s Efforts Leading Up to the Grand Av. Shooting
October 28, 2024 (MINNEAPOLIS) Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara announced today that a full post-incident review of the Grand Av shooting which injured Davis Moturi will be completed. “I have been very clear in heralding my support of our officers and their dedicated, caring work”, said Chief O’Hara. “They do care, and they are working
very hard.
But the presence of hard work is not enough when we are all working to build a better department. We must continually review our actions to ensure we are doing and being our best. Under my leadership, we will be a learning organization. We will take the timeto review the facts surrounding the incidents that can have a rippling impact that starts with a victim and continues throughout the community. The shooting of Davis Moturi is one of those incidents.
I have ordered a full review of the circumstances that led up to the shooting of Mr. Moturi and the arrest of John Sawchuk. This review will evaluate the facts and will look back prior to April of 2024. Based on the facts, we will implement changes that will mitigate any identified weaknesses and institutionalize any necessary protocols that will ensure a proper level of urgency, efficiency, and effectiveness. This is the least we can do in the ongoing effort to become the department that the community demands and deserves.”
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