Minneapolis police arrested six children, ranging in age from 11 to 14, following a string of armed robberies and two crashes on Interstate 94 on Tuesday. The group, consisting of three males and three females, was taken into custody after law enforcement responded to reports of reckless driving and criminal activity across the city.

These 6 kids 11-14 got arrested in Minneapolis for armed robberies and multiple vehicle crashes, do you think they will be tried as juveniles or adults because of the severity?

— Matt Rose (@jaynus12345) October 10, 2024

Police say the first armed robbery occurred around 11:30 a.m. on 41st Avenue South, followed by a second robbery shortly afterward on Bloomington Avenue. Officers quickly spotted one of the vehicles involved and attempted to pull it over, but the driver fled, resulting in a pursuit that ended in a crash on I-94.

No one was injured in a third robbery that took place later in the afternoon near Pleasant Avenue, although shots were fired during the incident. Authorities activated a “crime pattern response protocol” due to the similarities between the robberies.

Some local Minneapolis news is reporting this case as 6 juveniles arrested for car thefts. That severely minimizes the allegations.

Armed robberies are "crimes against persons" and threaten murder or death, here by threatening with guns. Not "car theft."https://t.co/NUGCtw7uOq https://t.co/hub4Q4Egyj

— Tom Gallagher 4 Liberty (@Gallagher61B) October 9, 2024

Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota State Patrol, assisted in the search. The first vehicle involved in the incidents crashed near Cedar Avenue, with four suspects attempting to flee on foot before being apprehended. A second stolen vehicle also crashed nearby, and two more suspects were arrested after trying to escape.

Minneapolis police say three robberies within a two hour period Tuesday in south Minneapolis led to the arrest of six juveniles between the ages of 11 and 14. Police Chief Brian O'Hara calls the ages of the suspects "incredibly frustrating."https://t.co/YMt7OPnMxV

— News Talk 830 WCCO (@wccoradio) October 9, 2024

The juveniles, including a 12-year-old boy with prior police contacts, were taken to hospitals for evaluations related to non-life-threatening injuries. They will be booked into the Juvenile Detention Center and referred to diversion programs.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara expressed frustration over the involvement of such young children in serious crimes, calling for more urgent action to address the problem. “Despite all our efforts, the fact that I see this activity continuing with children so young is incredibly frustrating,” O’Hara said.