Boy, 9, killed, two women injured, in apparent random shooting in near St. Paul, police say

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

Police said an Oakdale, Minn., man randomly opened fire at vehicles in a near this Rainbow Foods store, killing a boy and injuring two two women on Monday, Feb. 11, 2013

/ CBS Minnesota

(CBS/AP) OAKDALE, Minn. - A Minnesota man is accused of killing a 9-year-old boy and wounding two women while randomly shooting at vehicles on Monday evening, police said.

The 34-year-old Oakdale man was arrested several blocks away from the crime scene, which reportedly spanned six blocks. Police said a handgun and ammunition were recovered.

Oakdale police spokeswoman Michelle Stark said investigators are looking for additional spent gun casings and damage in the apparent random shooting.

Police said the suspect opened fire at passing vehicles near a Rainbow Foods store at about 6:10 p.m. Monday.

The boy and his 39-year-old mother were struck in one vehicle. A 68-year-old woman in another vehicle was shot in the hand. All were taken to Regions Hospital, where the boy died of his injuries, Stark said. The women are expected to recover.

Officials said a team of counselors is talking to students at Oakdale Elementary where the 9-year-old boy attended school. District 622 spokeswoman Jennifer McNeil said about a dozen social workers and psychologists are helping students cope with the loss of their fourth-grade classmate.

McNeil said students are shaken up and "some of the kids are taking it pretty hard."

Police have not released the names of the boy or the wounded women.

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