Family: Minnesotan was shot by police

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. — The family of a 20-year-old Minnesota man told a crowd that he was shot by police Sunday before getting back into his car and driving away, then crashing the vehicle several blocks away. The family of Daunte Wright said he was later pronounced dead.

Officials from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said the agency was on the scene of a shooting involving a police officer in Brooklyn Center on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Wrights demanded answers from police.

The incident, which sparked protests, happened with Minneapolis already on edge and midway through the trial of the first of four police officers in George Floyd’s death.

According to a statement from Brooklyn Center Police, officers stopped an individual shortly before 2 p.m. Sunday after determining the driver had an outstanding warrant. Police said that when they tried to arrest the driver, the driver reentered the vehicle and drove away. An officer fired at the vehicle, striking the driver. Police said the vehicle traveled several blocks before striking another vehicle.

Police did not identify the driver who was shot. A female passenger suffered injuries during the crash that were not considered life-threatening.

A police officer was also transported to the hospital after suffering injuries, according to EMS audio.

By Sunday evening, about 100 people had gathered near the scene, but they were later dispersed. Late Sunday night, Brooklyn Center police cleared protesters from outside the police station. No reports of damage or arrests were immediately available.