Three female teens arrested after 'violent carjacking' of business owner

Three female suspects, two of them teenage girls, have been arrested after a "violent carjacking" of a business owner in south Minneapolis on Thursday night.

Minneapolis Police Department says a woman who was closing her business was "punched and kicked" by three suspects who then stole her car.

Police chased the trio for five minutes before they dumped the vehicle near the 4500 block of Clinton Avenue, and they were arrested.

Taken into custody for aggravated robbery was an 18-year-old woman and two girls aged 16 and 14. The 16-year-old was also booked for fleeing in a motor vehicle.

MPD says that between them, the three suspects have been involved in up to 20 robbery, auto theft or stolen property offenses over the last four years.

"This is another example of MPD officers remaining vigilant and doing everything they can to disrupt the violent behavior of those who repeatedly terrorize neighborhoods with assaults and robberies," said MPD Chief Brian O'Hara.

"We will continue to arrest those who commit these crimes and seek accountability no matter the age of the offender or the number of times they’ve been arrested in the pas

Despite Thursday's incident, carjacking continues to fall in Minneapolis. So far this year there have been 76 reported incidents, lower than the 96 as of the same date in 2023, and below the three-year average of 136.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement’s latest version of events, and may be subject to change.