Crime & Safety
1 Killed After Stolen Car Flees Mall Of America, Hits Pillar: Police
"This was a relatively quick pursuit," said Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges, who added that his officers followed department policy.
BLOOMINGTON, MN — A passenger died after the stolen vehicle he was in crashed just outside of the Mall of America, according to police. Two people survived the crash, including the driver, investigators said.
"This was a relatively quick pursuit," said Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges Wednesday. "This was a relatively low-speed pursuit. Our officers did not PIT the vehicle, they did not come in physical contact with the vehicle. And officers were a little bit a ways back."
Hodges said his officers followed his department's vehicle pursuit policy, which states the following:
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Vehicular pursuit of fleeing suspects can present a danger to the lives of the public, officers, and suspects involved in the pursuit. Tactics used to stop a fleeing vehicle may be considered a use of force. It is the policy of the Bloomington Police Department to regulate the manner in which vehicular pursuits are undertaken and performed.
The Hennepin County Attorney's Office is reviewing the case and could file charges against the surviving passenger and driver.
On Tuesday just before 4 p.m., an automated license plate reader identified a stolen vehicle that was driving around the Mall of America, according to Bloomington police.
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Officers located the Honda Accord on the north side of the mall, but the vehicle fled after police activated their squad lights and sirens, authorities said.
The Accord drove onto the Lindau Lane ramp to eastbound Interstate 494, and while approaching the turn, jumped the median, crossed the second lane to eastbound I-494, left the roadway and struck a pillar, according to investigators.
Abdikadir M. Issack, 23, of Willmar was killed.
The 25-year-old male driver from Minneapolis survived the crash with non-life-threatening injuries, according to authorities.
A 20-year-old female passenger also suffered non-life-threatening injuries, investigators said.
It is not yet known if the driver was under the influence of alcohol, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.
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