On a Tuesday afternoon in Red Wing, Minnesota, a fatal encounter unfolded that would tragically end the life of Dandre Shawn Hicks, a 28-year-old Black/African American male from Tampa, Florida. The events of June 25, 2019, stemmed from a dispute that, by a cruel twist of fate, did not initially involve him. Earlier that day, a 19-year-old from Red Wing named Michael Antonio Reyes had been in an altercation with Hicks's brother.
This conflict had reportedly been brewing for weeks.
Later, outside a Kwik Trip gas station on Plum Street, Reyes, encountered Hicks and his half-brother. In a case of tragic mistaken identity, Hicks was wearing the same shirt his brother had worn earlier in the day. Believing Hicks was the man he had fought with, Reyes approached them. He initially indicated a desire to talk and "squash the beef." As Hicks walked toward the group, intending to ensure nothing happened, Reyes revealed a semi-automatic handgun.
Witnesses stated that Reyes then walked toward Dandre Shawn Hicks and opened fire, firing at least three shots. One of the bullets struck Hicks in the head. He was rushed to the Mayo Clinic in Red Wing and subsequently airlifted to a trauma center. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries and was taken off life support the following day, on June 26, 2019.
Following the shooting, Michael Antonio Reyes fled the scene. An investigation was launched, and based on tips, law enforcement located him the next day at a Key Inn Hotel in Woodbury, Minnesota. The Washington County SWAT team assisted in his apprehension. Reyes was taken into custody and later charged with multiple felonies, including second-degree murder with intent, second-degree murder without intent, and third-degree murder. The brother of the victim later told investigators that he believed the bullets were meant for him.
