Minnesota: A man drove his car onto a restaurant patio in the Minneapolis suburb of Minneapolis on Sunday, killing two medical workers and injuring at least four others, according to police and hospital officials. Surveillance footage captured the incident at the Park Tavern in St. Louis Park, west of Minneapolis. The footage showed the man driving into the restaurant’s parking lot Sunday evening but not entering the building. He attempted to park before driving onto the outdoor patio, police said. The driver was arrested for criminal vehicular homicide, but no motive has been given, and the victims have not been identified.
Methodist Hospital spokeswoman Anneliese Heitkamp in St. Louis Park confirmed that one of the dead and the four injured worked at the hospital. “Following the tragic incident at Park Tavern, we are mourning the loss of a beloved and respected colleague and friend to many at Methodist Hospital and HealthPartners,” Heitkamp said. “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of our colleague during this incredibly difficult time.” Witness statements Dr. Thomas Stark of Methodist Hospital told KSTP-TV that the group of co-workers was celebrating the death of a nurse who was leaving her job and moving on to a new role. “She was moving on to the next chapter of her life and everybody was celebrating, having a good time and saying goodbye,” Stark said. The nurse is now hospitalized with serious injuries. A witness told KARE-TV that the driver slammed his vehicle into a crowd of about 30 people on the patio before hitting them. The Park Tavern is described on its website as “a family-friendly destination that offers bowling lanes and arcade games as well as a restaurant and bar.” The restaurant announced it would be closed until further notice.
