Man Steals Squad Car, Leads Police on Pursuit near Red Wing
A man stole a police squad car and led officers on a winding pursuit northwest of Red Wing, Minn. on Friday, March 19, with the man getting hold of a department-issue rifle and delivering a tirade over the police radio before being apprehended in a field.
According to dispatch audio, the suspect initially rammed his truck into the sally port of the Prairie Island Police Department jail and took off in their marked, white Chevy Tahoe. He led officers on a pursuit shortly after 10 a.m., screaming over the police radio before dispatchers could disable it.
Officers were searching for the suspect in the area of Treasure Island Resort & Casino and were working to lock down the casino as he continued to drive throughout the area. An armored BearCat vehicle and a K9 team responded to the area.
The suspect was reportedly able to get the rifle that was secured inside the vehicle, but ended up tossing it on the ground and it was later secured by an officer.
After hitting stop sticks, the stolen squad car was immobilized and the suspect exited on foot into an open field northwest of the casino. Officers moved in and--after a brief struggle--successfully detained him around 10:45 a.m. Paramedics were called for the suspect’s unspecified injuries and two officers hurt during the crash.
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