Officials ID man found fatally shot in Minneapolis as July 4 drew to a close

Officials on Monday released the identity of a man found shot to death late on the Fourth of July in south Minneapolis.

Someone flagged down firefighters about 11:20 p.m. Friday and alerted to an unconscious man who was on the ground in the 2700 block of Bloomington Avenue, police said. The firefighters immediately gave emergency aid to the man, a police statement read.

Mario Martinez Ramirez-Hernandez, 26, of St. Paul, was shot in the head and neck, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office said. Ramirez-Hernandez was taken by emergency responders to HCMC, where he was declared dead about 25 minutes later, the examiner’s office said.

Officers found evidence at the scene pointing to multiple shots being fired, the police statement continued.

No arrests have been announced, and police are trying to determine the circumstances connected to the shooting.

This was the city’s second homicide on July 4. Gunfire struck and killed one of two men riding electric scooters about 2:35 a.m. in the 2100 block of Dupont Avenue N., police said.

The victim, in his 20s, was taken by emergency medical personnel to North Memorial Health Hospital, where he died, police said. Officials have yet to release his identity.

As with Friday night’s killing, no arrests have been announced, and police have not addressed a possible motive.

The homicides occurred during the city’s renewed efforts to tamp down Fourth of July mayhem by increasing patrols and closing off some parking lots and roads for annual festivities.

O’Hara said the majority of road closures are around the Mississippi River’s Boom Island, where the “Red, White and Boom” fireworks show takes place, and Bde Maka Ska, the largest in the city’s Chain of Lakes.

The chief reported Saturday afternoon that “for the first time in recent years, we did not see widespread chaos involving groups recklessly firing fireworks at people and property. While gun violence remains a serious concern — and historically spikes during this week — the absence of dangerous fireworks activity is a clear reflection of the success of MPD’s holiday safety plan and the dedication of our officers."

The chief credited “our proactive strategy” on July 4th with the arrest of a man downtown who had a pistol without having a permit to carry a firearm and the towing of a vehicle filled with illegal fireworks.

Anyone with information about either killing is encouraged to email policetips@minneapolismn.gov or leave a message at 612-673-5845. Tipsters wishing to provide information anonymously are encouraged to call CrimeStoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit the CrimeStoppers website. Those providing information leading to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a reward.