MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A Bloomington man is charged with second-degree murder after police say he fired a single shot at a fleeing vehicle last week.
Brandon Lovelle Verse, 22, is accused of shooting 33-year-old Koley Banks in an apparent robbery on Nov. 13. Verse was also charged with being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and second-degree assault against Banks’ friend.
The Hennepin County Attorney announced the charges Wednesday.
According to the criminal complaint, Verse flagged down the car Banks was riding in near 2410 Pillsbury Ave. S. and asked for a cigarette. When the car stopped, Verse pulled out a gun and pointed it at Banks and his friend, who was driving the car, in an attempt to rob them, according to police.
Verse opened the back door to get in the car, but the driver pulled away. Verse fired a single shot at the vehicle and Banks was hit.
The driver took Banks to Hennepin County Medical Center where Banks died of a bullet wound that entered the right side of his chest.
Verse fled the scene and was later found by police. When he was in handcuffs, officers say Verse tried to flee but police eventually caught up to him.
The driver of the vehicle later told officers he had his 2-month-old baby in the backseat of the vehicle. He said he and Banks did not know Verse prior to this incident.
Verse was convicted of first-degree aggravated robbery in 2008.
