"Frustrated what it says about society": Uptown residents angered by smashed car windows
MINNEAPOLIS -- Police are investigating after a group of people reportedly smashed multiple car windows in south Minneapolis overnight.
WCCO photographer Nick Boeke checked out the area of the 3200 block of Garfield Avenue and found at least 20 vehicles with smashed out windows. A lot of glass was seen on the ground next to the damaged vehicles.
According to Minneapolis police, officers responded to multiple reports of vehicles damaged between 12:45 a.m. and 2 a.m. Those who called 911 reported a group of people, ranging from five to 15 people, going through neighborhoods and smashing vehicle windows.
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"There were some reports that individuals involved in the damage also rummaged through vehicles," police said.
Police say the reports were located from 2200 block of Blaisdell Avenue to the 4200 block of Nicollet Avenue. Damage was also reported on Harriet, Pillsbury, Pleasant and Lyndale avenues. Preliminary information suggests dozens of windows were damaged, police said.
Victims in the area told WCCO they are beyond frustrated.
"I've had my window smashed twice and the car was broken into once," said Elizabeth Carey.
Since moving into Uptown a year ago, Carey's car, and many of her neighbors', have been hit hard by vandals.
"I didn't hear a cop. I didn't hear shouts. I didn't hear windows smashing. Nothing," Carey said.
Someone on Garfield Avenue South saw the group of young people in action and called police.
Cortni Boos found goggles underneath her car, covered by broken glass.
"I'm assuming this is what they left when they were smashing cars, so they were protecting themselves from flying glass," Boos said. "I actually cleaned a lot of it out but that was all covered my seat was covered the glove box was open they didn't take anything, but I think their main goal was just to smash all the windows."
Windows on most cars now lay in shards on the ground, belongings inside the vehicles rambled through.
"I'm annoyed for sure. I mean, it's my property and I have to pay to get it fixed. But I'm frustrated about what it says about society that there are people who apparently just run down blocks and smash stuff. Didn't even take anything. Just for fun, I guess, "Carey said.
According to police, officers located a group that fled on foot and in vehicles when they arrived. No arrests have been made yet.
Minneapolis police are investigating. Anyone with damage to their vehicle is advised to call 311 to make a report.
