Edina, Minnesota, April 27, 2023 -- Five teenage boys arrested yesterday after an attempted robbery in Edina have been referred to the Juvenile Prosecution Division of the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office for charging consideration.
At 9:58 a.m. Wednesday, April 26, the Edina Police Department received a report of an attempted carjacking near the intersection of 70th Street and Antrim Road. The victim, who said the boys pointed a gun at him and demanded his vehicle, was able to drive away unharmed and the suspects fled on foot northbound on Antrim Road.
Police dispatch accidentally asked South View Middle School, 4725 South View Lane, to lock down first. Dispatchers immediately identified the error and contacted Valley View Middle School, 6750 Valley View Road. The Police Department did not share the reason for the request, as they were actively working and focused on the incident.
Within minutes of the call, at 10:04 a.m., Edina Police located the suspects and took the five of them into custody. One of the teenagers had an airsoft gun without an orange tip.
Because the suspects were apprehended quickly and there was a strong police presence outside of Valley View Middle School, the school district notified its staff that the exterior doors to the school were locked so no one could enter or exit the building and movement was limited. This “soft lockdown” is different from a “hard lockdown,” where students and staff are locked in their rooms with lights off.
After the incident was cleared, an Edina Police Officer and Valley View Middle School Principal Toya Pryor walked through the building to ensure the all-clear could be given before unlocking the exterior doors.
“The Edina Police Department appreciates the school district’s quick action and cooperation in this incident,” said Police Chief Todd Milburn.
There is no threat to the public. Because the investigation is ongoing and the suspects are juveniles, very little information is public data and can be shared at this time outside of law enforcement and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
The Edina Police Department and Edina Public Schools administration will meet next week to debrief the incident.