Twin Cities Tragedy: Shooting Claims Life of an Eagan/Eden Prairie Firefighter
TWIN CITIES, MINNESOTA - In the early hours of Sunday, May 5, 2024, a Minneapolis, Minnesota neighborhood was rocked by a shooting incident that resulted in the tragic death of a local firefighter and left another injured. The Minneapolis Police Department responded to the reports of a shooting around 12:40 a.m., with initial reports stating there were two individuals wounded in the 900 Block of Cedar Ave S in Minneapolis, Minnesota. One of those individuals had potentially life-threatening injuries, according to a press release from the Minneapolis Police Department.
Upon arrival, officers found a man in his 40s suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds in the parking lot behind 901 Cedar Ave S. Despite immediate medical attention, the victim succumbed to his injuries after being transported to Hennepin Healthcare (HCMC). Another man, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, arrived at HCMC via a passenger vehicle, the press release stated.
Preliminary investigations revealed that shots were fired across 9th St., targeting a group of people gathered in the parking lot behind 901 Cedar Ave S. An exchange of gunfire then ensued, leading to the tragic outcome. Forensic experts from the Minneapolis Police Forensic Division were deployed to process the scene and collect evidence, while homicide detectives are diligently piecing together the events leading up to the shooting.
It was later announced that the fatal shooting victim was none other than Eden Prairie Firefighter and Eagan Firefighter Joseph C. Johns. According to officials from the City of Eagan, Johns was a dedicated member of the Eagan Fire Department who tragically lost his life while off duty. They said his commitment to service extended beyond Eagan, as he also served as a duty-crew firefighter with the Eden Prairie Fire Department. Johns reportedly embarked on his firefighting journey with the Eagan Fire Department on January 13, 2020, following his volunteer service with the Eden Prairie Fire Department, which began on September 2, 2015. The loss of Johns has reverberated throughout the firefighting community, prompting an outpouring of support and condolences.
The City of Eagan, Minnesota Government, and the Eden Prairie Fire Department both released statements expressing profound grief over Johns's death. The City of Eagan also expressed gratitude for the support from neighboring Burnsville and Inver Grove Heights Fire Departments during this difficult time.
As the Twin Cities mourn the loss of a life cut short by senseless violence, the investigation into the shooting continues, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in bringing those responsible to justice. Currently, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. The case has been assigned the reference number GO 24-118939. Anyone with information is encouraged to call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Tips may be submitted electronically at www.CrimeStoppersMN.org. All tips are anonymous, and persons providing information leading to an arrest or conviction may be eligible for a financial reward.
Images provided by the City of Eagan Government and Eden Prairie Fire Department.
Written By: Will Wight
