Dakota County (trfnews.i234.me) — On May 15, 2025, Lakeville police apprehended 24-year-old Erik Arreola Morales after a high-speed pursuit involving a stolen vehicle and a subsequent foot chase that led to a shelter-in-place order for local residents.
Officers responded to Ardmor Village on the 20900 block of Cedar Avenue around 1:15 p.m. after receiving information that Morales, known to law enforcement and wanted on multiple felony warrants, was in the area. As officers arrived, Morales fled in a stolen vehicle, striking at least two squad cars before abandoning the vehicle in a field near Cedar Avenue and 190th Street.
A perimeter was established, and an extensive search ensued, involving K-9 units, drones, and a Minnesota State Patrol helicopter. A shelter-in-place alert was issued for residents near Highview Avenue and 190th Street. Despite the efforts, Morales was not immediately located, and the shelter-in-place was lifted around 4 p.m.
Approximately an hour later, a resident on the 19200 block of Harappa Avenue reported a man matching Morales’ description hiding on their porch. Officers responded and took Morales into custody without incident. He was transported to the Dakota County Jail and is facing multiple new charges, including fourth-degree assault of a peace officer, fleeing police in a motor vehicle, receiving stolen property, and first-degree damage to property. Additional charges include fleeing on foot, providing a false name to law enforcement, and multiple traffic violations.
Morales also has outstanding felony warrants from Dakota County, including a probation violation, and separate fleeing and drug possession cases in Hennepin County.
Did you know?
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A fourth-degree assault charge in Minnesota involves assaulting a peace officer and is classified as a felony, carrying significant penalties.
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Fleeing police in a motor vehicle is a felony offense in Minnesota, punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
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Providing false information to law enforcement is a misdemeanor in Minnesota, but when combined with other offenses, it can lead to more severe consequences.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.