Erskine ATV Rider Charged After Fleeing Deputy

ERSKINE, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – Tucker John Coombs, 18, of Shevlin, faces a felony charge after allegedly fleeing a sheriff’s deputy on a four-wheeler.

The incident happened October 3, 2026, around 4:15 a.m. in Erskine, according to a Polk County criminal complaint.

Authorities say Coombs accelerated away after a deputy activated emergency lights at a gas station.

The short pursuit ended approximately 80 yards later when Coombs stopped and surrendered.

Burnout Complaint Leads Deputies to Gas Station

The investigation began when a caller reported two vehicles performing burnouts near Vance Avenue in Erskine.

The caller described a four-wheeler and a pickup truck driving in the area.

A Polk County sheriff’s deputy responded and located both vehicles at an Erskine gas station.

According to court documents, the deputy activated emergency lights after spotting the vehicles.

However, the four-wheeler’s driver allegedly accelerated away instead of stopping.

The deputy then activated the patrol vehicle’s siren.

Investigators reported that the four-wheeler had no operating lights or visible registration.

ATV Travels Across Grass and Sidewalk

According to the complaint, the four-wheeler traveled through the gas station parking lot.

The rider continued across a grassy area before entering a sidewalk.

Deputies reported that the vehicle stopped after traveling approximately 80 yards.

The driver then stepped off the four-wheeler and removed a ski mask.

Authorities say the rider raised his hands and surrendered without continuing the pursuit.

Deputies identified the driver as Tucker John Coombs.

A records check also showed that Coombs had a revoked driver’s license.

Driver Reportedly Admits Trying to Flee

After receiving a Miranda warning, Coombs reportedly agreed to speak with investigators.

According to the complaint, Coombs admitted that he and the pickup driver had been driving around for fun.

He reportedly acknowledged seeing the patrol vehicle’s emergency lights.

Coombs told investigators he initially thought fleeing from the deputy would be exciting.

However, he reportedly reconsidered his actions and decided to stop.

Investigators say Coombs acknowledged that attempting to flee was a poor decision.

Pickup Driver Describes Earlier Conversation

Another deputy interviewed the pickup driver, identified in court documents by the initials R.W.

The driver reportedly confirmed that he owned the four-wheeler.

According to the complaint, Coombs had discussed police chases earlier that night.

The pickup driver claimed he warned Coombs against fleeing when they spotted law enforcement.

He also reportedly acknowledged that the pair had been performing burnouts.

Felony Fleeing Charge Filed

Prosecutors charged Coombs with felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.

The charge falls under Minnesota Statute 609.487, subdivision 3.

The law prohibits intentionally fleeing a law enforcement officer using a motor vehicle.

The complaint lists a maximum penalty of three years and one day in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both.

The case is filed under Polk County Court File No. 60-CR-26-1466.

An order of detention was included with the complaint in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

The supplied documents do not establish a final case outcome.

Readers can search additional information through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The felony charge remains an allegation, and Coombs is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.