Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—Saint Paul police report that a man, Kyle Stewart Vanwert, 39, was arrested following two failed escape attempts this week. Vanwert was wanted for suspected drug sales and had active warrants for fleeing police in a motor vehicle and first-degree burglary in Hennepin County.
Officers detained Vanwert on the 400 block of Dorothy Day Place while investigating a suspected drug transaction. During transport to the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center, he slipped one wrist from his handcuffs. Upon arrival, he forced his way past the officer, attempting to flee toward the garage exit. Vanwert ignored commands and tried to breach secured doors, unsuccessfully kicking one.
The officer deployed a taser, causing Vanwert to fall, but a struggle ensued. Vanwert attempted to grab the officer’s firearm and later the taser. After repeated taser deployments and additional force, Vanwert was subdued. The officer sustained injuries to his hand and knees.
At Regions Hospital for evaluation, Vanwert made a second escape attempt, fleeing from a wheelchair in the parking lot. Officers quickly apprehended him.
Vanwert faces multiple felony charges, including attempted escape from custody and disarming a peace officer. The charges could result in a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. His bail is set at $150,000.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me