Eighteen people charged in two violent Minneapolis robberies

Eighteen people were charged Monday in two separate robberies that took place in downtown Minneapolis last month in which the victims were beaten. Four of the suspects were as young as 15 years old.

The charges include first-degree robbery, aiding and abetting first-degree robbery, both felony counts, and third-degree riot.

One incident took place at Fifth Street and Hennepin Avenue, the other occurred outside Target Field.

According to the criminal complaints, an Aug. 3 video surveillance outside of the downtown Minneapolis stadium showed about a dozen people trying to take a man’s cellphone while beating him, ripping off his shoes and pants, and searching through his pockets. The victim was hit with planting pots and run over by a bicycle. He was left lying on the ground outside.

Both the victim and all suspects left the scene before police arrived.

The second incident happened early on Aug. 17 when the victim left a downtown bar and stood on the corner using his cellphone. Prosecutors say a group tried to take his wallet. He was kicked, punched, left unconscious and later diagnosed with a concussion. The assailants stole his phone, wallet, keys and $100 in cash. Later, the suspects withdrew $220 from his debit card. The defendants were identified through surveillance video.

Those charged could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $35,000 fine. Adrian Cooper, 25, was charged in both crimes. The names and charges of the minors involved in both incidents are not public.

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