Detroit Lakes: 124 MPH Chase After Alleged Car Theft

DETROIT LAKES, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A Minneapolis man faces felony theft allegations after a reported vehicle theft led to a high-speed police pursuit.

Matthew Wade Sorenson, 45, was charged in Becker County District Court following the September 22 incident.

According to court records, the pursuit reached speeds of up to 124 mph and ended in Pennington County.

A judge later issued a statewide arrest warrant in the Becker County case.

Car Reported Stolen Outside Detroit Lakes Ace Hardware

The investigation began when a man reported his vehicle missing outside Ace Hardware in Detroit Lakes.

According to the criminal complaint, the owner had left his vehicle running while entering the store.

He told authorities he was inside for approximately three minutes.

When he returned, the vehicle was gone.

A short time later, a White Earth police officer spotted the vehicle heading north on Highway 59.

The officer activated emergency lights and siren, but the driver allegedly refused to stop.

Police Pursuit Allegedly Reaches 124 MPH

Authorities identified Sorenson as the alleged driver involved in the pursuit.

According to court records, Sorenson allegedly fled from law enforcement at speeds reaching 124 mph.

The chase continued north toward Winger, Minnesota.

Minnesota State Patrol and other law enforcement agencies became involved as the pursuit continued.

The pursuit eventually ended in a crash in Pennington County.

Sorenson also faces felony fleeing and possession of stolen property allegations in Pennington County.

Prosecutors Cite Criminal History and Pending Cases

The report states Sorenson was arraigned on fleeing and stolen property allegations on September 24.

The Becker County Attorney’s Office later requested an arrest warrant in the theft case.

Prosecutors cited Sorenson’s criminal history and several other pending theft cases.

According to their warrant request, Sorenson had at least five felony convictions during the previous 10 years.

They also reported five pending theft cases dating back to July 2026.

Those pending cases reportedly involved multiple counties, including Hennepin County.

The prosecutor’s filing also cited another alleged theft offense from October 2.

That allegation reportedly arose after Sorenson’s release in connection with the Pennington County fleeing case.

Prosecutors argued that the reported conduct and high-speed pursuit raised serious public safety concerns.

Judge Issues Statewide Arrest Warrant

On October 5, District Judge Gretchen Thilmony issued a statewide arrest warrant for Sorenson.

According to the supplied report, the warrant had not been executed as of October 12.

That information does not establish whether the warrant remains active after that date.

The report does not provide a scheduled hearing date for the new Becker County felony theft allegation.

Minnesota Laws and Court Records

Minnesota law prohibits taking or driving a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent.

Readers can review Minnesota Statute 609.52 for the state’s theft laws.

Fleeing law enforcement in a vehicle is addressed under Minnesota Statute 609.487.

Additional case information may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The pending charges remain allegations. Sorenson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.