Authorities have charged a 19-year-old man with second-degree murder in connection with a homicide over the weekend in Columbia Heights. And now they are trying to find him.

The Anoka County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday issued an arrest warrant for Evan Ramon Denny of Minneapolis, who allegedly fatally shot Mohamud Adbiwahab Hilowle.

Hilowle, 20, was shot inside a residence on the 1200 block of Circle Terrace Blvd. in Columbia Heights just before midnight Saturday. Several people in the residence left before police arrived, including Hilowle, who was taken to a hospital by acquaintances. He died at a hospital.

On Wednesday, Denny was charged with probable cause second-degree murder, according to a criminal complaint filed in Anoka County District Court.

Authorities asked for the public's help in finding Denny and issued a warning to anybody who may be helping him avoid being arrested.

"Law enforcement has also received information that there may be persons who are aiding Denny with his attempts to avoid arrest and capture," Lt. Wayne Heath of the Anoka County Sheriff's Office said. "Those persons aiding this fugitive may also be subject to criminal penalties as he has now been charged with this crime."

Denny is described as being a Native American male, 5 feet 8 inches tall, 216 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Denny wears glasses, has braces, and has a tattoo of "Denny" on his right forearm.

"The public should not approach Denny and should use caution if he is seen," Heath said.

Anybody with information about his whereabouts should call the Anoka County Sheriff's Office at 763-427-1212 or call 911 for your local law enforcement.

Tim Harlow • 612-673-7768