VIDEO: Health department workers say finding syringes on the ground is becoming a frequent problem in Minneapolis.
While leaders work on long-term solutions, the Minneapolis Fire Department and outreach workers are picking up the slack.
In a parking lot off 27th and Bloomington Avenue, across from Minneapolis Fire Station 5, it takes less than a minute to stumble upon a stray needle. Walk five more steps and you’ll find another. It’s becoming a regular part of the job for firefighters across Minneapolis.
“I’m hearing from Station 5 that they are doing a lot of this, a whole lot of this, and ya know, it frustrates them,” said Assistant Fire Chief Bryan Tyner.
It didn’t take very long, probably less than 10 minutes, for the chief to find at least 10 needles.