Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara publicly apologized on Sunday to Davis Moturi, a resident who was shot by his neighbor following a year marked by harassment and intimidation. The incident has raised significant concerns regarding the police response to Moturi’s repeated reports of threats made by his neighbor, John Herbert Sawchak, 54, who now faces serious charges including second-degree attempted murder and stalking.
Moturi claims that despite numerous attempts to alert authorities about the ongoing harassment, he received little to no response. According to him, the police were not proactive in addressing his concerns, which ultimately led to the violent incident. A warrant has been issued for Sawchak’s arrest, and police efforts to apprehend him were observed on Sunday night when officers attempted to communicate with him through an intercom at his residence.
During a press conference held on Sunday, Chief O’Hara acknowledged the shortcomings of the police department in handling the situation. “Yes. In this instance, we failed this victim. 100%. Because that should not have happened to him,” O’Hara stated, expressing regret that the department did not take more urgent action to prevent the shooting. His comments come amidst mounting pressure from several Minneapolis City Council members urging Mayor Jacob Frey and the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) to swiftly arrest Sawchak.
Victim Voices Discontent with Police Response
In response to O’Hara’s apology, Moturi expressed his disappointment with the MPD’s handling of his case. “He didn’t apologize for much of anything. He said MPD failed me and I say you failed me,” Moturi remarked in an interview with 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS. He criticized the police for their lack of support, emphasizing that he had reached out for assistance multiple times without receiving adequate help.
Moturi was discharged from the hospital on Sunday night but stated he felt unsafe returning home while Sawchak remained nearby. He described the fear that now pervades his life due to the unresolved situation with his neighbor, who is still at large.
Evidence of Escalating Threats Captured
In a bid to document the ongoing threats, Moturi had installed a security camera at his residence. Footage from the incident captured on Wednesday evening shows him tending to a tree near the boundary of Sawchak’s property when a sudden gunshot rings out, causing him to collapse to the ground. This chilling evidence underscores the severity of the harassment he faced and the urgent need for police intervention.
As law enforcement continues efforts to locate and apprehend Sawchak, community members and city officials are calling for a thorough review of the MPD’s response protocols. The incident has reignited discussions about police accountability and the effectiveness of current measures to protect residents from domestic threats.
