Aitkin County, MN – Authorities have arrested and charged 33-year-old Matthew Dean Liimatainen following a violent series of events Wednesday morning, including a stabbing, carjacking, and a multi-county police pursuit.
According to the Aitkin County Police Department, Liimatainen allegedly stabbed a 41-year-old woman in Aitkin, then assaulted another 60-year-old female victim from Esko by forcibly removing her from a vehicle during a carjacking. He then fled the scene in the stolen vehicle.
Law enforcement spotted the suspect’s vehicle heading southbound on Highway 169, but Aitkin County deputies lost sight of him. After an extensive search, authorities located and arrested Liimatainen in White Bear Lake Township, northeast of Minneapolis, on Wednesday afternoon.
Victim Conditions & Charges
- The 41-year-old stabbing victim was transported by air to North Memorial or Hennepin County Medical Center. She is currently in stable condition.
- The 60-year-old carjacking victim from Esko sustained minor injuries and was released after receiving medical treatment.
- Both victims are reportedly known to Liimatainen.
Liimatainen has now been arraigned in Aitkin County, facing multiple felony charges:
✔ Felony Assault – First Degree (Great Bodily Harm)
✔ Felony Carjacking – First Degree (Armed with a Dangerous Weapon)
✔ Felony Theft of a Motor Vehicle
✔ Domestic Assault
✔ Misdemeanor Assault of a Peace Officer
✔ Gross Misdemeanor – Interfering with a 911 Call
Bail has been set at $1 million, and the case is being investigated by the Aitkin County Police Department with assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News