Photo: Getty Images
Minneapolis police have admitted they failed a Black man who was allegedly shot by his white neighbor after making several complaints of racial harassment.
34-year-old Davis Moturi was performing yard work on Wednesday (October 23) when his neighbor allegedly shot him from his upstairs window. Charges were obtained against the neighbor, identified as John Herbert Sawchak, on Thursday (October 24), but authorities waited until early Monday (October 28) to arrest him.
“We failed this victim 100%,” Brian O’Hara, Minneapolis police chief, said in a statement. “And to that victim, I say I am sorry that this happened to you.”
According to court records, Moturi and his wife contacted authorities at least 19 times to report Sawchak for harassment and vandalism since purchasing their home in 2023.
Police reportedly obtained at least three warrants to arrest Sawchak for various threats and violent acts but none resulted in his detainment. Authorities said Sawchak “actively evaded [them] during prior attempts to contact or arrest him."
Following Moturi's shooting, the Hennepin County attorney’s office charged Sawchak with attempted murder, first-degree assault, felony harassment, and stalking. Police faced widespread backlash after waiting days to arrest Sawchak. Authorities said they were keeping a close watch of Sawchak's house and waiting for him to come outside so they could peacefully arrest him. According to police, Sawchak was known to have guns and mental disabilities.
In a statement, Omar Fateh, Minnesota state senator, said police's “refusal to make an arrest on the basis of avoiding a violent conflict” stood in “stark contrast to other instances in which Black men have been killed."
“We must hold law enforcement accountable and ensure our public safety policies prioritize community wellbeing over convenience,” Fateh said. “Minneapolis residents deserve better.”
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