Hermantown, St. Louis County (trfnews.i234.me) — Police say a Duluth man tried to steal a catalytic converter. He now faces charges.
Court records identify the suspect as Robert J. Daugaard, of Duluth.
Prosecutors charged Daugaard with felony first-degree criminal damage to property. He also faces a misdemeanor fleeing charge.
What the police say happened
Police were called at about 12:38 a.m. on Feb. 20. The call came from a business owner on Miller Trunk Highway.
The owner said he was watching live security video. He reported a theft in progress at Autobahn Sales and Service.
Police say the video showed a man trying car doors. The man also went under vehicles.
Officers arrived and saw a man running between parked cars. Police say he ran toward the back of the lot.
Officers ordered the man to stop. Police say he ran a short distance.
Police then made a K-9 warning. Police say the man stopped and walked back. He was taken into custody.
Police then checked an Audi on the lot. They saw fresh footprints near the car, police said.
Officers also saw fresh cuts in the exhaust pipe. The cuts were near the catalytic converter, police said.
Police say they found fresh metal shavings under the car. A blue handheld flashlight was still on.
Police say security video showed Daugaard holding a battery-powered saw. The video also showed sparks under the Audi.
Police estimate repair costs at $3,672.
Charges and how to follow the case
The property damage charge is listed under Minn. Stat. § 609.595. The fleeing-on-foot charge is listed under Minn. Stat. § 609.487.
Police say Daugaard was told there was clear video. He replied, “If it’s on video, it’s on video.”
The case is pending in St. Louis County District Court. Public records may be available through Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO).
Daugaard is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.