Image Source: FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul
The Hopkins daycare center incident left two adults and one child dead Wednesday morning after police responded to a reported domestic situation at an in-home daycare in Hopkins, Minnesota. Authorities said six other children were inside the home at the time, but none was injured.
Hopkins Police Chief Brent Johnson said officers were called shortly after 9 a.m. to Brown Bear Daycare, located on the 200 block of Tyler Avenue North. When officers arrived, they found a man, a woman and a child dead inside the home.
What happened at the Hopkins daycare center?
According to Chief Johnson, the three victims are believed to be members of the same family. Police have not released their identities or provided details about the nature of the deaths.
Investigators also have not confirmed whether the victims were shot, stabbed or killed in another manner. Officials said the circumstances that led to the violence remain under investigation.
A parent who arrived to drop off children at the Hopkins daycare center contacted police. Investigators believe the parent may have witnessed the incident, adding to the urgency and emotional weight of the response.
Johnson described the scene as tragic and emphasized how deeply unsettling the situation was for families who rely on childcare providers to keep their children safe.
Six children safely removed from the scene
Six other children were present at the daycare when officers arrived. Police said no additional children were hurt. Officers were able to remove the children from the home and reunite them with their families.
The safe reunification became an immediate priority as law enforcement secured the property. Multiple police agencies, an ambulance and a crime scene investigation vehicle were seen near the home, according to FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul.
- Two adults and one child were found dead.
- The victims are believed to be family members.
- Six other children were present and were not injured.
- Police reunited the children with their families.
- Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Police say Hopkins incident was isolated
Police believe the suspected perpetrator was among the deceased. Johnson said the person believed to be responsible appears to have taken their own life. Investigators have not released additional information about the suspected motive.
Authorities said the Hopkins daycare center incident appears to be isolated and that there is no current threat to the wider public. Even so, residents were asked to avoid the area while investigators continued processing the scene.
Tyler Street was blocked between Second Street and Lake Street during the investigation. Drivers and pedestrians were advised to expect disruptions around the blockaded area as police worked to document evidence and speak with witnesses.
Investigation continues in Hopkins, Minnesota
Police have not yet announced the identities of the victims or explained what led to the deadly incident. Those details are expected to become clearer as detectives continue interviewing witnesses and examining the home.
Chief Johnson said police anticipated holding another briefing Wednesday afternoon at approximately 4 p.m. Any additional information about the victims, the investigation or the daycare’s operations could be released during that update.
The incident has prompted renewed concern among families and childcare providers in Hopkins. In-home daycare centers serve many Minnesota families, making clear communication especially important whenever a serious emergency occurs at a childcare location.
For now, officials are focusing on the investigation, supporting the children who were present and assisting the affected families. The community is also waiting for answers about how the tragedy unfolded inside the home.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the Hopkins daycare center incident happen?
The incident happened at Brown Bear Daycare, an in-home daycare on the 200 block of Tyler Avenue North in Hopkins, Minnesota.
How many people died?
Police said two adults and one child were found dead inside the home. The victims are believed to be family members.
Were any daycare children injured?
No. Six other children were present when police arrived, and authorities said none was injured. Officers removed the children and reunited them with their families.
Is there a threat to the public?
Police said the incident appears to be isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
What happens next in the investigation?
Detectives will continue examining the scene and interviewing witnesses. Hopkins police anticipated providing another briefing Wednesday afternoon.
