The incident began on September 11 along Highway 169. Investigators say Reuter followed a Maple Grove officer, who was in full uniform but driving an unmarked squad. Reuter reportedly cut the officer off, then followed him onto Highway 62 into Edina. He allegedly displayed a red visor light, exited his vehicle, and approached as if conducting a traffic stop. Witnesses say he even claimed to have a body camera.
When the officer identified himself and attempted to detain him, Reuter got back into his vehicle and tried to flee. Court records say he steered his vehicle at the officer multiple times, forcing the officer to move aside to avoid being hit. Reuter then sped away but was later arrested in Inver Grove Heights.
Investigators recovered dash camera footage, photos, and social media posts in which Reuter allegedly attempted to identify the officer. Police also found police-style lights, a flashlight, and other equipment in his vehicle.
In a recorded statement, Reuter admitted hearing the officer order him to stop and acknowledged circling him. He also called 911 during the incident, initially claiming he thought the officer was an impersonator, but later admitted the officer was “clearly a police officer.”
Reuter is being held on $50,000 bail with conditions, including no weapons, no alcohol or drug use, and no driving without a valid license. If convicted, he faces up to seven years in prison for the assault charge, more than three years for fleeing, and additional penalties for impersonation.
His first court appearance is scheduled for Monday in Hennepin County District Court.
For more information on Minnesota’s impersonation laws, visit the Minnesota Statutes on Impersonating an Officer.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
