Suspect in custody after man shot outside St. Paul mall

Workers and passersby at the scene said the neighborhood was generally quiet, but general issues related to poverty, housing and drug addiction sometimes created problems.

At a McDonald’s restaurant across the street from the mall, employees said people often hang out at the intersection. Gunfire is rare, they said, but fights break out occasionally, sometimes inside the restaurant.

The situation has gotten so bad that last year the restaurant closed its dining area and restrooms to the public, separating them from the ordering counter. Employees now use the large dining area as a locker room and break room.

Police sometimes force loiterers to leave, but they often return within minutes, said Pamela Gray, a restaurant employee.

She said she had not noticed the city providing any assistance in the situation.

“I don’t think they’re doing enough,” she said.