UPDATED: BCA Investigating After Suspect Opens Fire on Bloomington Officers During Wrong-Way Traffic Stop
Published: December 4, 2025 | Last Updated: December 4, 2025 at 4:55 PM.
BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA – New details from the Bloomington Police Department reveal that Wednesday night’s heavy police presence near the Mall of America stemmed from a chaotic and dangerous exchange of gunfire after a 21-year-old suspect opened fire on officers during a traffic stop.
The suspect, identified as Joshua Rocha of Savage, Minnesota, was shot by Bloomington officers after he allegedly unleashed what Police Chief Booker Hodges described as a “flurry of gunfire” from inside his vehicle. Rocha was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he is currently receiving treatment for his injuries. No officers were injured.
Incident Began With Wrong-Way Driver Near Mall of America
According to preliminary information from Bloomington Police:
At 10:30 p.m., officers observed a vehicle driving the wrong way near Old Shakopee Road and Killebrew Drive.
Officers attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle was slow to pull over.
After two PIT maneuvers, the suspect’s vehicle came to a stop on Killebrew Drive adjacent to the Mall of America.
Once stopped, officers issued commands for Rocha to exit the vehicle, but he refused. Officers then deployed pepper balls into the vehicle in an attempt to gain compliance. At that point, Chief Hodges said Rocha opened fire on officers, striking at least one undercover squad car and shattering its window. The vehicle reportedly sustained several bullet holes.
Provided by the Bloomington Police Department during their press conference.
Officers Returned Fire After Being Shot At
Chief Hodges emphasized that Rocha fired first, prompting officers to return fire to stop the threat.
“With a little lead persuasion by the officers, he stopped,” Hodges said. “Thankfully, everyone is okay. Our officers are safe.”
The chief said eleven officers were on scene, and five officers fired their weapons, all of whom are considered highly trained with 5 to 24 years of experience. Their identities will be released after the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) completes its review, which is standard in officer-involved shootings.
Rocha was taken into custody once the shooting stopped and was provided medical aid on scene before being transported to HCMC for further evaluation.
Police Chief: “What Have We Done to a Generation?”
In a strongly worded statement, Chief Hodges expressed frustration and disbelief that a traffic stop escalated into an attempted shooting of police officers.
“What have we done to a generation where they think it’s okay to unleash a barrage of bullets at our police officers?” Hodges said. “You shoot at us, we’re going to shoot back. Especially if it’s for no reason.”
He described Rocha as a 21-year-old with only a DWI and fleeing-police charge on his record, nothing that suggested violent tendencies. Hodges noted the department had no prior contact with Rocha, calling him “a completely random person for the department.”
Two firearms were recovered from the suspect’s vehicle. The BCA is now determining whether the weapons were legally owned by Rocha or not.
21-year-old Joshua Rocha of Savage, Minnesota. Provided by the Bloomington Police Department.
Investigations Underway
Two separate agencies are now handling key aspects of the case:
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA):
Investigating the officers’ use of force, including the five officers who discharged their weapons.Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office:
Investigating Rocha’s actions, including why he allegedly fired at officers. The sheriff’s office will also determine whether Rocha was impaired at the time, as Chief Hodges said he “believed the man might have been drunk,” though that remains unconfirmed.
Both agencies are expected to release additional information as their investigations progress.
Still No Known Motive
Authorities say it remains unclear why Rocha opened fire. Chief Hodges said the behavior was baffling, especially from someone with minimal criminal history.
“This has to stop,” Hodges said. “A 21-year-old kid… and you’re going to unleash a barrage of bullets at our police officers from inside your vehicle? You don’t get to do that.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
This story will be updated as additional details are released by Bloomington Police, the BCA, and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.
Written by: Will Wight
