Hibbing Man Steals Squad Car, Brandishes Police Shotgun During Pursuit
A St. Louis County Sheriff's Office squad car was stolen outside of the county courthouse in Virginia, Minn., around 10:20 p.m. Monday after it was left unlocked and running, authorities said.
The suspect who is accused of stealing the vehicle then grabbed the shotgun stored inside the squad, brandishing it out of the window before it fell to the street, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.
Authorities say the suspect, Joshua Harjamaki, 21, of Hibbing, led officers on a pursuit through the city of Virginia, eventually ending after a PIT maneuver disabled the vehicle on Hwy. 169 in Pike Township.
Harjamaki was arrested and is being held on pending charges related to the incident. There were no reported injuries as a result of the pursuit, but the stolen squad car sustained heavy damage during the pursuit and eventual PIT maneuver.