Minneapolis law enforcement officials have apprehended a suspect believed to be responsible for a mass shooting earlier this week. The incident resulted in four fatalities and left another individual wounded. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara announced the arrest of 34-year-old James Ortley during a press conference on Thursday evening.
The injured individual later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital, raising the death toll to five. According to police, Ortley is suspected of initiating the first of six separate shootings that occurred within a 24-hour period in the city. These violent incidents resulted in six deaths and five injuries. Investigators are currently working to determine if there is a connection between these shootings.
Authorities have stated that the mass shooting Ortley is charged with was not a random act of violence. Investigations are also underway to ascertain if there were other individuals involved in the mass shooting.
The U.S. Marshals Service reported that Ortley was taken into custody around 3:30 p.m. local time. He was apprehended on a warrant charging him with multiple counts of second-degree murder. In addition to these charges, Ortley was also wanted on a federal warrant for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Online records reveal that Ortley was previously arrested in February on suspicion of involvement in a series of violent robberies in Minneapolis. However, he was later released without charges after being held for two days.
This recent arrest comes as a relief to the Minneapolis community, which has been on edge following the series of violent incidents. As investigations continue, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.