Statewide Racial Justice Network Requests Prohibit High Speed ​​Chasing – WCCO

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Racial Justice Network is asking for a statewide ban on high-speed chases by law enforcement following the deaths of multiple teenagers in recent months.

The grassroots organization released a statement on Saturday calling on Governor Tim Walz, Mayor Jacob Frey, Robbinsdale Mayor Bill Blonigan and other elected officials to demand an end to police high-speed pursuits. police in Minnesota and police accountability.

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On Thursday, two teenagers were killed and three injured as a result of a police pursuit that ended in a crash in northeast Minneapolis.

“Many young lives have been needlessly taken this year due to high-speed police pursuits, which also threaten the safety of innocent bystanders in the area,” the statement said. our community”.

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According to the announcement, since October 2020, there have been at least 5 cases of high-speed police chases, killing 9 people.

• On December 9, the Robbinsdale Police Department began a high-speed chase that ended in Northeast Minneapolis that resulted in the deaths of two teenagers.
• On September 5, a high-speed chase initiated by the Eden Prairie Police Department resulted in the death of a 19-year-old young man.
• On September 3, two teenagers, ages 14 and 15, were killed in a high-speed chase led by North St. Paul initiated.
• On July 6, Leneal Frazier was killed during a high-speed chase by Minneapolis police.
• In October 2020, three teenagers were killed during a high-speed chase in North Minneapolis.

“These are senseless deaths that can and should be prevented. As officers continue to conduct high-speed pursuits in residential areas, they are showing a blatant disregard for human life.” Sonja Western, a member of the Racial Justice Network.

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