Patrons called “heroes” for coming to the aid of Minot bar shooting victims

MINOT, ND (KMOT) – Two people were injured in a shooting Friday night at a southwest Minot bar.

Minot police said the suspect in the shooting is in custody.

Some of the patrons who were inside the bar at the time are being called “heroes” for their response.

The scene outside the Dakota Lounge in southwest Minot is quiet right now, but shortly after midnight Saturday, it turned into panic as people ran inside after shots were fired.

We also hear some heroic stories in the moments that follow.

Evan Hunt was sitting in a karaoke booth when shots rang out. He narrated the subsequent incident.

“People started to disperse. I announced on the microphone for people to get down. I had people in the DJ booth come down behind me and try to keep the building calm,” Hunt said.

Minot Police Capt. Dale Plessas said the large crowd at the bar on a busy Friday night presented a challenge for investigators.

“There were so many people that needed to be interviewed and so many people that were moving in and out of the area, so it was definitely chaos,” Plessas said.

Hunt said one of his friends was shot, but is now recovering at home. According to him, some patrons inside rushed to help the injured.

“There were a lot of people — I call them heroes because they were heroes — who got medical help before any medical professionals arrived. People had gauze and bandages and were talking to them, and it was a heroic scene,” Hunt said.

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UPDATE: 2 injured in Minot bar shooting, suspect in custody

Police found the shooting suspect, Theofris Drake, 39, across the street and took him into custody. He will face charges of aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and terrorism and will remain in custody pending a court hearing – and more charges are likely to come.

As for the Dakota Lounge, the bar posted a statement on social media saying they would be closed Saturday and reopen Sunday, adding that “it was a very scary situation, but our staff handled it the best they could.. . We appreciate everyone. you and will do everything we can to make everyone feel safe again.”

Police said they believe the injuries are serious and not life-threatening.

Plessa said that if the police contacted the witnesses who were informed – do not worry, the police have a lot of investigation and will catch you as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, if you witnessed the shooting but did not speak to authorities, you are asked to come forward and speak to police.

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