MINNEAPOLIS (trfnews.i234.me) – Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated that his department “failed” to protect a victim from escalating harassment. The incident occurred on October 23 when Davis Moturi was shot by his neighbor, John Sawchak.
Sawchak had been charged with shooting Moturi as he was pruning a tree in front of his home. Moturi remains hospitalized with injuries including a fractured spine and concussion.
O’Hara cited staffing concerns as a contributing factor to the department’s failure to act urgently enough. The MPD has not arrested Sawchak despite being charged by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office for Attempted Murder, 1st Degree Assault, Stalking, and Harassment.
The Minneapolis City Council released a statement questioning O’Hara’s actions in the matter, stating that he is “hiding behind excuses.” The council also criticized Mayor Jacob Frey for his handling of the situation.
O’Hara stated that the MPD will continue to wait for Sawchak to exit his home before making an arrest.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for trfnews.i234.me: A system failure in Minneapolis PD’s response to a shooting incident, where a victim was shot by their neighbor after months of escalating harassment. The police chief admitted that the department “failed” to protect the victim and is now facing criticism from the city council. I’ll be keeping an eye on this developing story for you.