Ramsey County, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) – A wild, high-speed pursuit that began near the Hugo/Forest Lake border came to a dramatic end in Ramsey County early Saturday morning, with two arrests, a totaled truck, and a recovered handgun on the freeway.
Just after midnight, a 32-year-old man from Brooklyn Center was fleeing a traffic stop in a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado, hitting speeds over 100 mph as he blasted southbound on 35E. The chase spanned Dakota, Washington, and Ramsey counties.
Deputy Winkel of the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office helped bring it to an end using Stop Sticks at County Road J, successfully puncturing both front tires. Sparks flew, but the suspect didn’t stop—or even slow down.
At one point, a 9-1-1 call reported what sounded like a gunshot near 35E and Highway 96, intensifying concerns.
Law enforcement from Forest Lake, Anoka County, State Patrol, and Ramsey County continued pursuit until the Silverado reached I-694 and Snelling Avenue, where it lost control, hit a guardrail, and crashed into a ditch.
The driver was arrested for fleeing and could face additional charges, especially after a handgun was found lying in the freeway just south of Highway 96. A deputy on route to the scene spotted, photographed, and recovered the firearm.
His 27-year-old passenger from North Branch was also taken into custody due to outstanding warrants in Ramsey County.
Both suspects were booked into the Washington County Jail.
Authorities say further charges are pending as the investigation continues.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.