MINNEAPOLIS — A Minneapolis man is facing multiple assault charges after allegedly opening fire with an AK-47 inside and outside his apartment building in the early hours of Saturday, September 7, 2024. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has charged 40-year-old Nathan Mellstrom Matz with three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon following the terrifying incident.
Police responded to the apartment near 40th Street and Minnehaha Avenue after several residents reported gunfire. Officers quickly evacuated the building as Matz allegedly fired rounds both inside and outside the complex.
Minneapolis police Sgt. Ben Bauer arrived at the scene and shot and wounded Matz before disarming him. Matz was transported to a hospital where he is expected to survive his injuries.
Although no residents were physically harmed, the incident came dangerously close to tragedy. One resident woke up to find bullet holes in his floor, just inches from where he was lying. Another resident encountered Matz in the hallway, moments before a bullet struck near where he had been standing. Bullets also hit a house across the street.
Prosecutors revealed that Matz has lived in the building since 2014, a fact confirmed by an eviction filing from the property management company just days after the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing, as Matz remains in custody and is awaiting further legal proceedings.