Defendant: PRENTISS JUSTIN HODGES
On June 25, 2014, at approximately 2322 hours, Minneapolis Police were dispatched to the Vend-Awash car wash located at 3015 Chicago Ave S. in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota on a report of a man with a gun. Officers received information that an employee of the car wash was in possession of a hand gun. The employee was described as a black male, approximately 5’ 6” tall, medium build, short haircut and wearing a red & black cap. When Officers arrived, they set up surveillance outside the car wash and observed an individual later identified as PRENTISS JUSTIN HODGES, DOB: 8/1/77, the defendant herein, who matched the description provided. Officers monitored him and observed he was carrying a black/grey backpack. When the defendant set the backpack down and walked away, Officers approached and made contact with the defendant. Officers searched the backpack and found a loaded Bryco Arms semi-automatic 9mm handgun, serial # 1405844 and ammunition inside of the backpack. The defendant immediately stated, “I know I’m not supposed to have a gun.” Officers asked the defendant if he had a permit to carry and he stated “No.” The Defendant was placed under arrest and transported to the Hennepin County jail.
In a post-Miranda interview, the defendant admitted to possessing the handgun and that he had purchased the gun two months ago from a guy on the street for $200.00. The Defendant stated that he kept the gun on him for protection. The defendant was previously convicted of possessing a pistol without a permit on two occasions.
Also, when I clicked on the link to get more info, I got the following:
4th Pct Police Reports since 2003: 1
Total City Wide Arrests since 1995: 9
Prior Convictions: 3º DWI, Interference With Transit Operator, Possess or Own Other Weapon, Open Bottle, DAR, False Information to Police, Carry Pistol Without a Permit, Obstructing Legal Process, Disorderly Conduct
Now I know nothing about the accused personally; he might be a nice guy, or he might be a major felony waiting to happen. But since all I had to go on was the info you see, I submitted the following:
PLEASE DESCRIBE HOW THE INDIVIDUAL’S ACTIONS AFFECTED YOU, YOUR PROPERTY, OR YOUR BUSINESS (you may use more space than below if needed)
Mr. Hodges actions had zero impact on me, my property, or my business. I did want to say that I can hardly blame anyone for wanting to be armed on Chicago Ave S; and that Mr.Hodges’ ineligibility to possess a handgun has become a case of circular logic. In light of Mr. Hodges' previous convictions for fairly minor offenses, I would suggest that probation and a restoration of eligibility to apply for a carry permit would be the appropriate action.
