Sheriff: Reward Up To $40K To Find Arden Hills Murder Suspect
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office says Wednesday it has increased the reward to $40,000 for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of Ty Hoffman, the man suspected in a murder and Blaine bank robbery last month.
A warrant is out for Hoffman's arrest in connection with the Aug. 11 shooting death of Kelly Phillips at an Arden Hills gas station. Hoffman is also suspected of robbing a bank in Blaine on Aug. 31. He is considered armed and dangerous.
Hoffman has been spotted multiple times in the Twin Cities area, most recently in the area of Shakopee and Prior Lake on Sept. 2. Authorities say he is known to gamble and enjoys playing black jack in Las Vegas and local casinos.
Hoffman is known to gravitate toward gay communities in the places he visits. He's also known to frequent gay bars, coffee shops and movie theaters – where he typically watches several movies in a row.
Inspector Rob Allen with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office also says Hoffman has a habit of clearing his throat often and with a loud, distinctive sound.
Hoffman Reward Increased
Allen believes Hoffman is still in the area, though our chillier weather may change that. Friends told investigators Hoffman doesn't like cold weather and may be looking to head someplace warmer -- though there's no evidence to suggest he's not still in the area.
If you see Hoffman, you should avoid contact and immediately call 911. Anonymous tips on his whereabouts can also be called into Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
