Man Slips Cuffs, Grabs Officer’s Gun During 2 Escape Attempts
A Saint Paul man is facing additional charges after prosecutors say he twice tried to escape from custody this week.
The suspect, Kyle Stewart Vanwert, 39, already had active warrants out of Hennepin County for fleeing police in a motor vehicle and first-degree burglary.
Vanwert was first spotted by officers Tuesday, Jan. 14 just before 11:30 a.m., on the 400 block of Dorothy Day Place as they investigated an apparent hand-to-hand drug transaction.
He was arrested and while being transported to the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center, Vanwert managed to slip one wrist from his handcuffs. As the officer arrived at the jail and opened the squad door to bring Vanwert inside for booking, he allegedly forced his way past the officer and ran toward the garage exit.
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Vanwert reportedly ignored commands and tried to breach two secured doors, eventually kicking one in an unsuccessful attempt to open it. The officer deployed his taser, bringing Vanwert to the ground, but the struggle continued.
According to the complaint, after being tased, Vanwert rolled onto his back and grabbed Pederson’s firearm with both hands, attempting to pull it from the holster. The officer used knee strikes to force Vanwert to release his grip, but Vanwert then tried to grab the taser from the ground. Despite the officer tasing him again, Vanwert grabbed the device at the probe end. When Pederson warned he might have to use lethal force, Vanwert allegedly responded, "You’re going to have to kill me." The officer then delivered multiple punches to Vanwert’s head while waiting for backup.
Additional officers arrived, deploying another taser and irritant spray to gain control of Vanwert. The officer sustained injuries to his hand and knees during the altercation, court documents say.
Following an evaluation at Regions Hospital, Vanwert attempted a second escape by jumping from a wheelchair and fleeing on foot through the parking lot. Officers quickly apprehended him and returned him to custody.
Vanwert faces multiple felony charges including two counts of attempted escape from custody and two counts of disarming a peace officer. The most serious charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. He remains in custody with bail set at $150,000.
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