Joseph C. Johns, 40, a firefighter serving both Eden Prairie and Eagan, died early Sunday morning in what police are investigating as a shooting in Minneapolis.
The City of Eden Prairie stated in a Sunday afternoon release that Johns, from Eden Prairie, “died tragically” while off duty. An Eden Prairie spokesperson confirmed that Johns was the victim of the incident in Minneapolis that occurred overnight Sunday.
Minneapolis police reported that officers responded about 12:40 a.m. to a shooting in the parking lot behind 901 Cedar Ave. S. Upon arrival, they found a man in his 40s with life-threatening gunshot wounds. Officers provided immediate medical care, and the injured man was transported to Hennepin Healthcare (HCMC) in Minneapolis, where he later died. Another man with non-life-threatening injuries also arrived at HCMC in a private vehicle.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner has not yet officially released the name of the deceased or the details of the cause and manner of his death.
Johns had been a duty-crew firefighter with the Eden Prairie Fire Department since Sept. 2, 2015, and joined the Eagan Fire Department as a career firefighter on Jan. 13, 2020.
“Our hearts are heavy today, and our thoughts are with Joseph’s family as they process this terrible loss,” the Eden Prairie statement read.
The City of Eagan announced Johns’ passing on its Facebook page. “We are grateful for everyone’s kindness, patience, and empathy as we navigate this moment of profound loss,” the post stated. “We also want to acknowledge the invaluable support from neighboring departments in Burnsville and Inver Grove Heights, who are assisting with calls during this difficult time.
“Our hearts are with both Joseph’s family and our fire family.”
Minneapolis police reported that preliminary information indicates shots were fired across 9th Street at a group of people gathered in a parking lot behind 901 Cedar Ave. S. An exchange of gunfire then occurred.
Forensic scientists from the department’s forensic division responded to process the scene and collect evidence. Homicide detectives are working to determine the sequence of events that led to the shooting.
No arrests have been made.
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