Minneapolis man charged with capital crime after crash and shooting on I-94

MINNEAPOLIS – A Minneapolis man is facing multiple felony charges, accusing authorities of causing a car crash when his girlfriend tried to break up with him and then firing shots at police when they arrived at the scene.

The incident occurred on I-94 East on Saturday evening. The interstate was closed between Dowling Avenue North and West Broadway for several hours.

According to the indictment, 23-year-old Eddie James Freeman was in the passenger seat when his girlfriend told him their relationship was over on I-94. She told investigators that Freeman grabbed the steering wheel, causing the crash. She heard several gunshots and officers discovered bullet holes in the driver's door near where she was sitting.

An officer who went to the scene saw a person matching Freeman's description, the indictment states. The officers, with patrol lights and sirens on, shined their spotlights on Freeman, who then fired at the officer but missed. Additional officers surrounded Freeman, and according to court documents, he was observed by several officers throwing away a handgun before he was taken into custody.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said Tuesday that Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Mark Vande Steeg fired his weapon during the incident and is now on normal emergency leave. Officials said Freeman was not hit.