Local News
24-year-man charged with attempted murder, assault for gunfire exchange with Park police
MINNEAPOLIS – Muhyedin Abdiziz Abdirahman has been charged with Attempted 2nd Degree Murder and 1st Degree Assault in Hennepin County District Court. These charges stem from an incident (case number 2023- 286216) at Lake Harriet on October 24, 2023, in which Abdirahman fired multiple gunshots at uniformed Park Police Officer Karl Zabinski. The criminal complaint can be accessed here.
Officer Zabinski began his career with the Park Police Department in 2018 as a park patrol agent. In 2020, he was promoted to police officer. Officer Zabinski has received several awards in his time with the Park Police Department, including being named the 2022 Park Police “Officer of the Year.” Officer Zabinski has no record of discipline.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is thankful that Officer Zabinski was not injured during this violent attack. In addition, it thanks the Minneapolis Police Department for their diligent investigation and assistance throughout this case.
Suspect arrested after shooting at Park Police Officer at Lake Harriet
At 11:56 pm Tuesday, October 24, a Minneapolis Park Police Officer was investigating a suspicious vehicle illegally parked in, and blocking access to, the Lake Harriet boat launch. The incident ended with a 24-year-old male suspect in custody after shots were exchanged. Neither the officer nor the suspect was injured.
The following is based on preliminary information. This preliminary information is subject to clarification by the Minneapolis Park Police or the Minneapolis Police Department as the ongoing investigation into the incident continues.
The Park Police Officer was investigating the suspicious vehicle located in the Lake Harriet boat launch. The vehicle, which was unoccupied, was illegally parked and blocking the boat launch access driveway. As the officer investigated, he was confronted by the suspect, who claimed to own the vehicle. During the investigation, the Officer’s emergency lights were activated. The suspect was immediately uncooperative and became combative with the Officer.
The suspect fired shots in the direction of the officer. The Officer returned fire. Neither the officer nor the suspect was hit; however, the Officer’s squad car was damaged by gunfire.
The suspect fled on foot. The officer called for assistance and both Park Police and Minneapolis Police Department officers responded. The 24-year-old male suspect was located and arrested a short distance away in the vicinity of Lake Harriet.
The crime scene is still active and under investigation.
The Officer wore a body-worn camera that was on and active during the incident.
Park Police Chief Ohotto has requested MPD conduct a criminal investigation into the assault against the Officer and Chief O’Hara has agreed to do so.