Minneapolis, MN – A group of teenagers stole a car in Minneapolis and drove it recklessly in front of an occupied police vehicle, prompting no immediate action from officers due to departmental policy, authorities confirmed.
The incident, which occurred earlier this week, saw the teens weaving through traffic and engaging in dangerous maneuvers, seemingly attempting to provoke a response from the nearby police car. However, the officers did not pursue, adhering to strict guidelines that prohibit vehicle chases unless specific criteria are met.
Teens steel car in Minneapolis and drive it recklessly in front of an occupied police car. Police watch.
— Mrgunsngear (@Mrgunsngear) May 8, 2025
The chief put out a statement yesterday on this:
"The police department’s policy does not allow for a vehicle pursuit simply because the car is stolen. The car would have… pic. /xqJy6vo5ul
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara addressed the situation in a statement released yesterday, explaining the department’s stance.
“The police department’s policy does not allow for a vehicle pursuit simply because the car is stolen,” O’Hara said.
He clarified that pursuits are only authorized in cases involving violent crimes, such as carjackings involving force, firearms, or other serious offenses.
O’Hara emphasized that engaging in a chase in this scenario could escalate risks to public safety. “If an individual is trying to just bait the officer into a pursuit, it’s not going to get safer once the cop starts chasing them,” he said. “The cops did their job. They had zero discretion in that case.”
The chief also highlighted the broader context, noting that even if the teens were apprehended, the outcome might not justify the danger.
“It is just not worth the risk of endangering everyone’s lives, especially if, at the end result, even if no one’s hurt, we arrest a couple juveniles, we bring them downtown, and they’re immediately released,” O’Hara stated. “It is completely senseless.”
