Evidence lost in Minneapolis fire could affect court cases

The small, smoky fire burned only a short time in the Minneapolis Police Department’s property room last month, but its path of destruction could have long-term results.

By the time the flames were out, more than 24,000 pieces of evidence secured in manila envelopes had been damaged or destroyed. But quick and creative action by firefighters and property room staffers saved shelf after shelf of additional investigative work.

The fire, discovered when nearby 911 operators smelled smoke about 1 a.m. on April 13, most likely was started by a faulty electrical connection in a fluorescent-light fixture in the property room subbasement.

http://www.startribune.com/evidence-lost-in-minneapolis-fire-could-affect-court-cases/304190591/