Twin Cities Police Capture Alleged Car Thief After Chase; No Injuries Reported
Minnesota (WCCO) — A 20-year-old man was apprehended by police in the Twin Cities after a failed attempt to evade capture in a stolen vehicle.
According to the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, the suspect stole a 2021 Honda CRV and attempted to alter the vehicle's license plate with Wite-Out, changing an “L” to an “I.” However, a deputy's automatic license plate reader identified the vehicle despite the modification.
Authorities said the man fled northbound on Interstate 35W when the deputy initiated a traffic stop. The pursuit continued eastbound on County Road I in Shoreview, where the suspect reportedly discarded a firearm from the window.
Approximately one mile later, a deputy executed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver, bringing the vehicle to a stop and causing it to crash. No serious injuries were reported, and the suspect was taken into custody.
The suspect had active warrants in Hennepin County for felony second-degree assault and in Crow Wing County for felony threats of violence. He now faces charges in Ramsey County, including illegal possession of a firearm, fleeing police in a motor vehicle, receiving stolen property, and possessing a firearm with an altered serial number.