📍 Aitkin, MN – The Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office has launched an active manhunt for Matthew Dean Liimatainen, 33, following a violent stabbing on Tuesday morning. Authorities have labeled him armed and dangerous and are urging the public not to approach him if spotted.
Incident Details
📅 Date & Time:
- Tuesday, February 13, 2025
- Just before 11 a.m.
📍 Location:
- 500 block of 1st St. NW, Aitkin, MN
🚔 What Happened?
- Authorities say Liimatainen fled the scene in a stolen 2022 black Ford F-150 with Minnesota license plate JHR-837.
- The truck also has a large Cardinal sticker in the rear window.
- Emergency radio reports indicate the victim suffered life-threatening injuries and was rushed to the hospital.
- No updates on the victim’s condition have been released.
Search Efforts & Latest Developments
🚨 Police Sightings & Clues
- Shortly after the stabbing, officers near 230th Lane and 435th Avenue in Hazelton Township spotted tire tracks indicating a vehicle had gone into a ditch before continuing.
- Authorities suspect this could be connected to Liimatainen’s getaway.
🚁 Aerial Search
- Around noon, Minnesota State Patrol’s Trooper 4 aircraft was deployed over southwest Lake Mille Lacs to assist in the search.
- The aircraft cleared the area by 12:53 p.m.
- Around the same time, law enforcement discovered Liimatainen had used another vehicle earlier that morning, which was later found abandoned.
🔍 Investigation Update
- The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has responded and is assisting with the investigation.
- As of now, authorities have not released a motive or any connection between Liimatainen and the victim.
Suspect’s Criminal History
📜 Liimatainen has an extensive criminal record, including:
- First-degree arson
- Felony theft
- Credit card fraud
- Assault
- Fleeing police
- Felon in possession of a firearm
- Escape from custody
- Violations of no-contact orders
Law enforcement officials are urging extreme caution, given his history of violence and criminal behavior.
Public Advisory: What To Do If You See Liimatainen
🚨 Do NOT approach him.
📞 Call 911 immediately.
🔎 Be on the lookout for:
- A black 2022 Ford F-150 (MN plate JHR-837)
- A large Cardinal sticker in the rear window
- Liimatainen is armed and dangerous
Law enforcement remains actively searching for him, and any new developments will be updated as the situation unfolds.
📝 I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me