MINNEAPOLIS — Joseph C. Johns was known all across the United States, according to his friends. As part of the TRU Breed Motorcycle Club, Johns had put more than 100,000 miles on his bike.
Fittingly, his biker name was Miles.
"He was just a beautiful soul," said E.J. Matthews, vice national president of TRU Breed MC.
On Sunday afternoon, motorcycles filled the space between The Cabooze and the former Whiskey Junction to remember Johns in the place where he was killed.
"He was like a brother to me," said Keturah Coatie. "Very genuine, always caring."
According to the Minneapolis Police Department, officers were called to the 900 Block of Cedar Avenue S. on a report of shooting. MPD said shots were fired across 9th Street at a group of people gathered in the parking lot. Investigators say an exchange of fire then occurred. Johns was hit and a second man with non-life-threatening injuries arrived at HCMC in a private vehicle.
"They just kept going and going and going. It was like at least for two minutes. It just didn't stop," said Coatie. "It's just so sad. I can't believe he's gone."
Matthews was inside at the time, but rushed outside after hearing the gunshots.
"I laid on the ground with him, and held him, and just tried to talk to him," Matthews said.
The motorcycle community came out Sunday afternoon to share stories about Johns. They also held a balloon release.
"He's a firefighter and he carried that everywhere with him. For him to be saving lives... to lose his life like that, that is tough," said Ronson Beard, national president for TRU Breed MC.
Johns served as a career firefighter with the Eagan Fire Department since Jan. 2020. He also actively served as a duty-crew firefighter with the Eden Prairie Fire Department since Sept. 2015. He was fatally shot while off-duty.
"Joseph was an individual that was extremely caring, extremely positive, extremely charismatic... and all focused on service above himself," Eden Prairie Fire Chief Scott Gerber said.
Gerber and Eagan Fire Chief Hugo Searle spoke about Johns Sunday on a conference call together.
"Joseph was caring and he was kind. I can't overemphasize those points," Searle said.
Searle said everyone from police officers to firefighters held a procession for Johns from HCMC to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office.
"Joseph is not alone. There will be representatives from the Eagan and Eden Prairie Fire Department staying with Joseph until his journey is completed. We have people at the MEs office right now and they will be there 24 hours a day until he's taken home by his family," Searle said.
After the balloon release, Coatie said, "Rest in peace, Miles. We love you. We're going to miss you. We're going to keep your name alive and we're going to ride until the wheels fall off."
According to MPD, no arrests have been made.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online. All tips are anonymous.
KARE 11 will update this story as more information is made available.
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