Mahnomen Man Charged in Stolen Durango Case

MAHNOMEN, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A Mahnomen man faces a felony charge after police found a stolen Dodge Durango.

Alejandro Torres Sanchez, 23, is charged with receiving stolen property. The charge was filed in Mahnomen County District Court.

The case is listed as court file 44-CR-26-327. The complaint says the alleged offense happened on June 8, 2026.

Prosecutors allege Sanchez knew, or had reason to know, the vehicle was stolen. The Durango was valued at about $12,000.

Stolen Vehicle Found Near Mahnomen

According to the complaint, an officer spotted the gray Durango near Highway 200. It was parked at a rural property in Mahnomen County.

The vehicle matched a Dodge Durango reported stolen on June 4. Officers then approached the vehicle and two men nearby.

The complaint identifies the second man as Darius Oshai Barnes. It says Barnes left the driver’s side and ran from officers.

Officers detained Barnes after a short foot chase. Sanchez remained near the passenger side of the Durango.

The complaint says officers saw a black semi-automatic rifle inside the Durango. It was near the driver’s seat and center console.

Investigators also reported drug paraphernalia, small bags, ammunition, rifle magazines, two phones, and a digital scale.

A search warrant was later approved for the vehicle. Officers said the rifle’s serial number appeared to have been removed.

Authorities also found a white container in the bushes near the chase route. It held 11.7 grams of a white substance.

A field test returned a presumptive positive result for methamphetamine, according to the complaint.

Police reported finding the Durango’s key fob and $4,177 in cash on Barnes. The complaint notes Barnes has prior felony convictions.

Sanchez allegedly told investigators he had just arrived. He also said the vehicle would be returned.

Receiving stolen property is covered by Minnesota Statute 609.53.

The complaint lists a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. It also lists a possible $20,000 fine.

A criminal charge is an allegation. Sanchez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Readers can search public case information through Minnesota Court Records Online.

I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News.