Accused Sex Offender Flees Deputy, Crashes Into Squad Cars On Blaine Highway, Sheriff Says
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Anoka County Sheriff's Office says law enforcement used "less lethal tactics" to disarm an accused sex offender following a police chase that ended in Blaine Tuesday evening.
A deputy was dispatched to a Ham Lake street at about 6:17 p.m. after a caller reported a suspicious man in a vehicle who was watching children nearby. His license plate revealed he had an active arrest warrant for criminal sexual conduct.
Authorities says the man fled the deputy, who briefly gave chase before calling it off due to "the amount of people in the area." Another deputy later found him on Highway 65 in Blaine. Stop sticks and the PIT maneuver were deployed, and the man soon crashed into several squad cars.
The suspect, who authorities say was armed with a knife, allegedly refused commands before less-lethal methods were used to remove his weapon and subdue him. He was transported to a local hospital for an evaluation.
The Minnesota State Patrol is assisting in the investigation.