How St. Paul police are reacting to 9 shootings in 4 days

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - The St. Paul Police Department is increasing patrols in neighborhoods that have seen 9 shooting in just 4 days, including 2 fatal shootings. Police spokesman Steve Linders says SPPD is also creating a response team to thoroughly investigate all reports of gunfire, including incidents with no injuries.

Sunday night, police responded to a "chaotic scene" with as many as 300 people gathered at Indian Mounds Park. Officers found one man with apparent gunshot wounds, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Monday afternoon, a 24-year-old Minneapolis man was arrested in connection with the shooting.

Monday afternoon and evening, 3 shootings were reported in St. Paul, including a fatal shooting at an apartment building on the 400 block of Magnolia Avenue E. No arrests have been made in that shooting, and investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the homicide unit at 651-266-5650.

“We’re dealing with a problem right now and it’s a serious problem,” Sgt. Mike Ernster said. “We’re dealing with people who think it’s okay to resort to violence – extreme violence with firearms – to resolve their differences, and we’re not going to stand for it.”