Deputies arrested a 17-year-old Saturday morning after a stolen car pursuit in Vadnais Heights ended in a crash and foot chase.
Around 8:45 a.m. on Aug. 23, Ramsey County deputies spotted a stolen 2011 Ford Fusion in the parking lot of Walmart on County Road E East.
When the driver began leaving the lot, deputies followed the vehicle onto Interstate 35E and then eastbound on County Road E East. Near the intersection of County Road E East and English Street, the driver moved into oncoming lanes and deputies backed off, though they continued to track the car.
Authorities say just moments later, the stolen vehicle went out of control and slammed into a brick sign at 1380 County Road E East. The impact caused significant damage to Lake Air property and nearly rolled the car, which narrowly missed striking a nearby building. A deputy positioned his squad near the driver’s door of the crashed vehicle, but the male driver crawled out through the passenger side and ran on foot.
Deputies gave chase, and the suspect surrendered after getting stuck behind a fence near Tousley Motorsports. He was then taken into custody without further incident.
The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the driver, a 17-year-old, was arrested and the case remains under investigation. Authorities said no one was injured during the pursuit or subsequent crash.
