Homeowner Fatally Shoots Intruder During Early Morning Break-In at North 40th Street Residence

Minneapolis, MN — April 16, 2025 — A tense and deadly home invasion unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday morning when two men forced their way into a residence located at 3401 40th St. N. in Minneapolis. In a swift act of self-defense, the homeowner fired at the intruders, striking one of the suspects. That individual later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital, while the second suspect remains at large.

According to the Minneapolis Police Department, the incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. when the two suspects entered the home under still-unconfirmed circumstances. The homeowner, who was inside at the time, encountered the men and discharged a firearm, hitting one of them. Authorities report that the suspect was critically injured at the scene and transported by emergency responders to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

The identity of the deceased suspect has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin. The second suspect fled the scene immediately after shots were fired and, as of this writing, has not been apprehended.

Police officials arrived at the scene shortly after the 911 call was made. They cordoned off the property and began a thorough search of the surrounding area in hopes of locating the fleeing suspect. K-9 units and investigators were seen canvassing the neighborhood during the early morning hours, but no arrests have been made.

“This is still very early in an active, ongoing investigation,” a spokesperson for the Minneapolis Police Department said during a brief statement to the press. “We are working to gather all relevant details, including what led to the home invasion, the identity of the deceased, and the whereabouts of the second suspect. At this time, no further information is available.”

Authorities have not stated whether the homeowner knew the suspects or if this was a random act. It is also unclear how the suspects gained entry into the residence or whether they were armed. Investigators are interviewing the homeowner and potential witnesses and are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby properties to piece together the events leading up to the break-in.

The neighborhood, which typically experiences low levels of violent crime, was rattled by the morning’s events. Residents expressed shock that such a violent confrontation occurred in their community. “I woke up to flashing lights and police everywhere,” said Jasmine Taylor, a neighbor who lives two houses down. “We’re all just stunned—this is a quiet area, and nothing like this ever happens here.”

The shooting has reignited local conversations around self-defense laws and home protection in Minnesota. Under the state’s “Castle Doctrine,” homeowners are generally allowed to use deadly force against intruders if they reasonably believe they are in imminent danger. Whether this incident will fall under that protection remains to be determined as investigators gather more facts.

The deceased man’s body has been turned over to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy and identification. Police have not indicated whether any charges are expected to be filed against the homeowner, though they emphasized that all aspects of the case will be thoroughly reviewed.

As the search continues for the second suspect, law enforcement is urging the public to remain vigilant. Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of the fleeing suspect is encouraged to contact Minneapolis Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Tipsters may remain anonymous.

The community remains on edge as more details are expected to emerge in the coming days. Residents and local leaders are calling for transparency and support for those impacted by the violence.

“We know people are shaken up, but we trust that law enforcement is doing everything they can to get to the bottom of this,” said City Councilmember Troy Sanders. “Safety is our number one priority, and we’ll do what it takes to ensure that residents feel protected in their own homes.”

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.