In Minneapolis, Minnesota, first responders, motorcyclists and other area residents are mourning the loss of a beloved local firefighter and biker killed in a weekend shootout.
Joseph C. Johns was known throughout the United States as an avid motorcycle rider who rode more than 100,000 miles on his KARE11 motorcycle, according to his friends. report.
He was aptly given the nickname “Miles” by the community within the TRU Breed Motorcycle Club.
Minneapolis Police Department officers were called to the 900 block of Cedar Avenue South on Sunday after reports of shots fired into a group of people gathered in a parking lot, according to local reports.
“Investigators say a gunfight ensued. Mr. Johns was struck and a second man arrived with non-life-threatening injuries. [Hennepin County Medical Center] By private car. ”
Johns was off-duty at the time of the shooting, but no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.
“He really had a beautiful soul,” said EJ Matthews, vice president of the TRU Breed Motorcycle Club.
Matthews was inside when the shots started, but ran outside to help his friend.
“I laid on the ground with him, hugged him and just tried to talk to him,” he said.
On Sunday afternoon, bikers filled the parking lot to pay their respects to Johns and hold a balloon release in his honor.
“He was like a brother to me,” said friend Ketla Koti. “Very sincere and always considerate.”
“They just kept going. It was like that for at least two minutes. They just didn’t stop,” she said. “I’m so sad. I can’t believe he’s gone.”
Johns had worked for the Eagan Fire Department since 2020 and the Eden Prairie Fire Department since 2015.
“He was a firefighter and carried it with him everywhere. It’s tough when he’s saving lives… to lose a life like that,” said Ronson Beard, president of the bicycle club. .
“Joseph was a very caring, very positive, very charismatic person…and all about service over self,” Eden Prairie Fire Chief Scott Garber said. Told.
Eagan Fire Chief Hugo Searle said in a conference call Sunday that Johns was “compassionate” and “kind.”
“These points cannot be overstated,” he says.
“Joseph is not alone. Representatives from the Eagan Prairie Fire Department and the Eden Prairie Fire Department will stay with Joseph until the end of his journey. The MEs office is currently staffed 24 hours a day until he is returned to his family. We are waiting for you,” Searle added.
Anyone with information regarding unsolved crimes is encouraged to contact the Minneapolis Police Department.
