A frightening moment unfolded Monday night when Minneapolis City Council Member Jamal Osman was carjacked on the city’s south side, though he later confirmed he was not injured.
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. near Portland Avenue and Lake Street, where suspects allegedly threatened Osman with mace before fleeing in his vehicle.
“I’m home now in Phillips West with my family, and I want to assure neighbors that I’m okay,” Osman said. “This incident is another reminder of the work ahead to keep all of our communities safe.”
Osman, who represents Ward 6, said police responded swiftly to the scene. He thanked Police Chief Brian O’Hara and Mayor Jacob Frey for reaching out afterward.
“While crime might be trending down, incidents like this are a reminder that we still have work to do to improve public safety,” Frey said. “I’m grateful Council Member Osman is okay.”
According to investigators, two teens, ages 15 and 16, were arrested in connection with Osman’s carjacking and several others earlier in the day. Police believe the suspects were responsible for a string of crimes beginning around 2 p.m. Monday, when a Subaru Outback was stolen from the 1600 block of First Avenue South. The stolen vehicle was reportedly used in multiple robberies and attempted carjackings across the city.
One woman told police she was putting her daughter into her car when a suspect jumped in and tried to drive away. She shielded her child as the suspect struck her in the face before fleeing.
A short time later, the suspects allegedly carjacked a Subaru Legacy, threatening another victim and destroying his phone before stealing it. Investigators say Osman’s car was taken next.
Minutes later, officers spotted both stolen vehicles near Lake Street and Pillsbury Avenue. When police attempted to stop them, both cars fled, crashing into several others. The Subaru Legacy hit a fire hydrant, and the two teen suspects were arrested after a brief foot chase. A replica firearm was recovered at the scene.
Osman’s car was later found near Lyndale Place in north Minneapolis and is being processed for evidence. O’Hara noted that one of the suspects was known to police, while the other was not.
Two adults were also arrested overnight in an unrelated armed carjacking at a gas station near Penn Avenue North, though police say the two cases are not connected.
“Whether it’s juveniles engaged in reckless acts or adults committing armed carjackings, these crimes have serious consequences for residents and the community,” O’Hara said. “While overall crime has declined in recent years, violent incidents involving juveniles remain a concern.”
Residents near the scene say car break-ins and thefts have become an unfortunate part of city life.
“It’s not surprising,” said Christopher Johnson, who lives nearby. “City councilor or not, anybody can get hit in Minneapolis.”
Duke Cano, who owns Duke’s Cars and Towing at the Portland and Lake intersection, added, “It’s sad when you see parents coming in saying, ‘My car got stolen, and my insurance is too expensive.’”
According to city data, 152 carjackings have been reported in Minneapolis so far this year, 18 of them in Osman’s ward. While the total number of carjackings and violent crimes has dropped compared to last year, officials say the latest incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive policing.
Osman, first elected in 2020 and recently reelected for another term, said his experience only reinforces his commitment to improving public safety in Minneapolis.
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