Man charged with attempted murder, assault for shooting at Bloomington officers

A 21-year-old man has been charged after exchanging gunfire with Bloomington police near the Mall of America on Thursday.

Joshua Rocha faces three counts of attempted second-degree murder and three counts of first-degree assault for using deadly force against a peace officer.

On Thursday evening, three Bloomington officers saw a vehicle driving the wrong way. According to court documents, they tried to stop the driver, but he kept driving. When officers were finally able to get the vehicle to stop, the driver, later identified as Rocha, refused to get out.

RELATED: Bloomington police, suspect exchange gunfire during traffic stop near Mall of America

Court documents state that Rocha began firing at officers with an assault-style rifle. Officers shot back at Rocha, injuring his hand.

Officers were then able to arrest Rocha and bring him to the hospital.

Investigators found an assault-style rifle in the front seat of the vehicle and multiple shell casings in the driver and front passenger compartments.

There were also “numerous” bullet holes in the squad car that the officers were taking cover behind, the complaint says

Rocha’s first appearance in court is scheduled for Dec. 9.
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