Minneapolis, MN — Authorities have arrested 34-year-old James Ortley, a man believed to be involved in a shooting that killed three people and injured two others late Tuesday night near Bloomington Avenue and East 25th Street.
During a Thursday press conference, Police Chief Brian O’Hara announced that the U.S. Marshals NorthStar Fugitive Task Force and FBI SWAT arrested Ortley at approximately 3:30 p.m. at a residence on the 1600 block of South Fourth Street.
Ortley is now being held in Hennepin County Jail. He faces multiple counts of second-degree murder under a county warrant and is also wanted on a federal firearm charge for being a felon in possession of a gun.
One of the victims in the mass shooting was identified as 17-year-old Joey Goodwin, a student at Augsburg Fairview Academy. The school’s executive director, Heidi Anderson, shared that the school community is devastated by the loss. She described Joey as a “bright, creative, and kind-hearted young man” who was recently excited about learning to knit. In his honor, students will complete a scarf together to give to his family.
“This is a significant step forward in what has been an intense and fast-moving investigation into the most violent incident this city has suffered this year,” Chief O’Hara stated.
Authorities believe additional suspects or key witnesses may still be at large. Ortley is not connected to other shootings that occurred on Wednesday, officials confirmed.
In response to ongoing violence, the Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, and Metro Transit Police have increased patrols in impacted neighborhoods.
“This arrest is a major step forward,” said Mayor Jacob Frey, “and sends a clear message: violence will not be tolerated in our city.”
