John Herbert Sawchak, 54, now faces charges including second-degree attempted murder after shooting 34-year-old Davis Moturi, who had previously voiced concerns about his neighbor's threatening behavior.

The shooting took place on Wednesday on the 3500 block of Grand Avenue S, severely injuring Moturi with a bullet to the neck that fractured his spine and broke two ribs. Sawchak, who remains at large, had multiple warrants issued for his arrest in connection to threats made against Moturi and other neighbors.

Moturi's desperate attempts to seek help were extensively documented in emails sent to various media outlets, government officials, and the Minnesota Star Tribune. One email from Minneapolis police Lt. Adam Lepinski dated October 14 explained the challenges of arresting Sawchak, noting that surveillance efforts had been unsuccessful.

In a letter addressed to Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian O'Hara, five City Council members expressed their horror at what they called the Police Department's failure to protect Moturi. They criticized the police for not submitting reports to the County Attorney's Office despite Sawchak's armed threats and alleged use of racial slurs towards Moturi.

At a news conference on Friday, O'Hara defended the police's actions, stating that officers had been trying to apprehend Sawchak since at least April. However, O'Hara emphasized the difficulties involved, citing Sawchak’s mental illness, possession of firearms, and refusal to cooperate with law enforcement. The chief argued against executing a high-risk warrant due to the potential for a violent confrontation.

The controversy highlights a broader debate on how best to handle threats and ensure community safety, leaving city leaders and residents questioning what more could have been done to prevent the attack on Moturi.