Man, teenage boy shot inside Columbia Heights restaurant, police say

Police in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, are looking for the shooter who injured a man and a teenage boy Saturday night inside a restaurant.

Officers from multiple departments, including Coon Rapids and Fridley, were called to NY Gyros off Central and 46 ½ avenues around 8:45 p.m. after reports that "a male fired gunshots inside the restaurant before fleeing," police say.

The two victims were taken to an area hospital, with both listed in stable condition.

Police say they don't believe this was a random attack, and are asking for anyone with information to call 763-427-1212.

The Anoka County Sheriff's Office is assisting with the investigation, police say.

NY Gyros owner Irfan Minhas said a group of eight was sitting in the restaurant around 8:40 p.m. Saturday when the group was met by others.

"Two or three guys came inside the restaurant and they had a back-and-forth conversation. Then, all of a sudden, the guys inside, one of the guy, he pull out his gun, and he shoot at them," said Minhas.

The man fired around three rounds, Minhas said. An exchange of gunfire followed. Bullet holes could be seen in the front door and into the menu behind where employees stand. One of the bullet holes was just above 6 feet off the ground.

Two people were working on orders in the front of the restaurant during the shooting, Minhas said

"Everybody was shocked and they were scared," said Minhas.

Minhas knows things could have been much worse.

"Just don't go argue with anybody, that's what I would say, because people are crazy out there," said Minhas.