Three juveniles arrested in connection to another smash and grab damage spree

More than one hundred vehicle windows were smashed in Minneapolis overnight Monday to Tuesday, in another of the city’s ongoing mass damage sprees since the beginning of summer that has affected hundreds of victims.

2/
North Loop damage to property overnight, at least 10 vehicles observed.

MASSIVE “LEADERSHIP” FAILURE.#ThisIsMinneapolis pic.twitter.com/SUFfsgDyQ9

— CrimeWatchMpls (@CrimeWatchMpls) August 19, 2025

Based on information contained in the Minneapolis 911 incident dashboard, the damage appeared to be mostly concentrated in the south Minneapolis neighborhoods of Linden Hills, Whittier, and Stevens Square. However, damage also occurred in other areas of south Minneapolis, the North Loop, north, and southeast Minneapolis.

The City of Golden Valley also reported that vehicles in their city were targeted during the same overnight period. They said at least 15 vehicles were broken into as part of a “multi-jurisdictional crime spree.”

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara held a press briefing late Tuesday afternoon to discuss the overnight damage and also announce that three juveniles had been arrested in connection to the damage and had been booked for auto theft. The investigation into their potential connection to the damage incidents is ongoing, he said.

During the briefing, O’Hara said that two stolen vehicles believed to be involved in some of the incidents were also recovered and are being processed for evidence. He also said that although police are very familiar with at least two of the suspects who have been arrested multiple times, it may be difficult to get charges to stick due to a lack of physical evidence or surveillance videos clearly identifying or connecting the suspects to the damage incidents.

Chief O’Hara said more than 100 vehicles were reported damaged in Minneapolis alone overnight, and upwards of 500 have been damaged in the last month or so since the incidents have ramped up. He also acknowledged that dozens of other vehicles in cities surrounding Minneapolis experienced damage during the same period overnight, as well. Other cities mentioned included Edina, Brooklyn Park, and St. Louis Park. O’Hara indicated that more than one group may be involved in the damage sprees.

This latest spree followed another damage spree just a week ago when multiple vandals were captured on camera in Northeast Minneapolis leisurely breaking into numerous vehicles parked on the street.

3/
Exclusive video from NE Minneapolis of the overnight prowlers breaking into vehicles on Main St NE. pic.twitter.com/f9f5JZzDWV

— CrimeWatchMpls (@CrimeWatchMpls) August 12, 2025

Crime Watch previously reported that police had spotted a suspect vehicle during last week’s damage spree and attempted to stop it, but the vehicle took off, and officers did not pursue the vehicle per their non-pursuit policy, which limits pursuits mostly to violent crimes.

Alpha News previously reported prior damage sprees including dozens of vehicles damaged in July, as well as in Northeast Minneapolis in June, with smashed windows and slashed tires. In that spree, more than 20 vehicles were reportedly damaged, but the 911 dashboard listed only one case number at the location of the damage and listed the incident as a “suspicious person.”

There have been numerous other vehicle damage sprees reported across the city this year, including more in Northeast Minneapolis in May, 15-20 cars near the University of Minnesota in April, and “rows of cars” damaged near the lakes in south Minneapolis in March.

Chief O’Hara encouraged residents to review their security cameras for any possible connected activity and report it to police.

– – –

Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.

The post Three juveniles arrested in connection to another smash and grab damage spree appeared first on Alpha News MN.