Hennepin County Jail Booking Photo
Published: November 12th, 2026
MINNEAPOLIS MN: A man with prior robbery and firearm convictions is in custody after allegedly robbing two people at gunpoint and shooting one of the victims in the chest during an incident in downtown Minneapolis earlier this month, according to a criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County.
Caron Jermaine Collins is accused of carrying out the armed robbery and shooting on November 1, 2026, near 9th Street and Park Avenue in Minneapolis.
According to the criminal complaint, Minneapolis police officers responded to reports of a shooting and discovered shell casings at the scene. Investigators subsequently identified and interviewed two victims.
The complaint states that one victim was dropping off a woman and two children at an apartment building when Collins allegedly approached the group with a firearm.
Investigators allege Collins pointed the firearm at the woman and took cash from her purse before turning the weapon toward the driver, who remained inside the vehicle.
Collins allegedly demanded the driver's cellphone and ordered the victim to move from the driver's seat into the passenger seat. Collins then reportedly took control of the vehicle and drove toward the rear of the apartment building.
According to investigators, Collins took several belongings from the victim, including a cellphone, before exiting the vehicle.
When the victim attempted to return to the driver's seat and leave the area, Collins allegedly fired multiple gunshots toward the victim.
The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and transported himself to a hospital for medical treatment, according to the complaint.
Investigators reported that a witness who knew Collins identified him as the individual responsible for the shooting.
On November 2, officers attempted to stop Collins while he was driving a vehicle. According to the complaint, Collins fled from law enforcement, and the vehicle eventually crashed. Collins allegedly escaped on foot.
The following day, November 3, the Minnesota Department of Corrections issued a warrant for Collins' arrest.
According to the complaint, Collins was on probation for multiple robbery and firearm offenses. Prosecutors indicated they intend to seek admission of evidence involving those previous incidents at trial, commonly referred to as Spreigl evidence under Minnesota law.
Investigators subsequently tracked Collins' cellphone to a residence, where officers located and apprehended him.
During the investigation, officers also recovered firearms from inside the residence. According to the complaint, forensic testing involving those firearms remained pending.
Collins was taken into custody following his apprehension.
Prosecutors are requesting increased bail, citing Collins' criminal history and the seriousness of the alleged offenses.
Collins is presumed innocent of the current allegations unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.