Police Impersonation Warning Issued Amid Kidnapping Reports in Minneapolis

Minneapolis, MN – A public safety official, identified as "O'Hara," has issued a stark warning to the community regarding reports of masked individuals potentially impersonating law enforcement and engaging in kidnappings. The alert urges residents to immediately contact 911 if they encounter suspicious individuals claiming to be police, especially if their identity is unclear. This warning comes in the wake of a recent tragedy within the state involving a person who falsely presented themselves as law enforcement.

"There's folks that are masked, they're not sure if they're law enforcement, they may be kidnapping people. We have had those reports. The community should know that if you see something like that -- you don't know if someone is law enforcement -- you should call 911," O'Hara stated. The official emphasized the gravity of the situation, adding, "Let's not forget -- we very recently had tragedy in this state by someone who was purporting to be law enforcement."

The warning from O'Hara, believed to be a representative of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD), highlights growing concerns over public safety and potential criminal activity. The context for this urgent message appears to be recent 911 calls concerning masked individuals carrying firearms, which the MPD responded to. This clarification was made to address rumors that MPD officers were involved in assisting other agencies like ICE.

The specific "tragedy" O'Hara referenced in the statement is likely connected to a recent incident in Minnesota where an individual impersonating a police officer committed a serious crime. Such incidents erode public trust in legitimate law enforcement and underscore the critical need for citizens to verify the identity of anyone claiming police authority. Authorities are advising residents to ask for identification and to call 911 to confirm an officer's presence if they have any doubts.

This public advisory serves as a crucial reminder for community vigilance and direct communication with emergency services. It aims to empower residents to take appropriate action when faced with potentially dangerous situations involving unidentified individuals claiming to be law enforcement. The MPD continues to investigate reports and urges anyone with information to come forward.