Faribault Police Vehicle Pursuit Ends in Northfield
The Faribault Police Department reports one of their officers attempted to stop a vehicle last night, about 7:25 p.m. on Hulett Avenue for speeding and it failed to stop. According to a news release from Chief Andy Bohlen the driver failed to stop after the officer activated his red lights and siren, failed to stop for a stop sign and ran a red light while attempting to flee from the officer.
The driver continued north on Lyndale Avenue with speed in excess of 85 MPH before turning northbound on I-35. Neighboring agencies were advised of the pursuit. The driver continued north in excess of the posted speed limit, exited at Ricec County County Road 1 toward Dundas.
A Dundas police officer successfully deployed a tire deflation device at the Dundas city limits, but the driver continued through Dundas with a flat tire.
The suspect vehicle stopped at MN 3 and Heritage Drive in Northfield. The driver attempted to flee on foot and was quickly caught by officers. He was identified as Nicholas Anderson, 35, of St. Paul. It was determined Anderson was the subject of a Department of Corrections arrest warrant.
The passenger remained in the vehicle and refused to comply with numerous officers' commands according to the news release. Officers from the South Metro SWAT Team responded to assist. Officers attempted for 45 minutes to gain compliance from the passenger before tear gas was deployed into the vehicle by SWAT officers. The passenger exited the vehicle and was taken into custody. He was identified as Matthew Jones, 26, of Faribault.
A search of the vehicle resulted in nine knives, two methamphetamine pipes found. Both Anderson and Jones are in custody at the Rice County jail and are expected to be charged tomorrow.
The Faribault Police Department was assisted by the Rice County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota State Patrol, Dundas and Northfield Polide Departments and the South Metro Swat Team.