Suspect in Custody After Allegedly Running From Police and Crashing a Car Near the Sherco Power Plant

(KNSI) — A 21-year-old man from Big Lake is under arrest after allegedly running from police and crashing his car Monday night.

According to a press release from the Becker Police Department, about 11:15, an officer with the Becker PD saw a vehicle being driven by a man who was wanted in connection to an ongoing investigation in Big Lake. When the officer tried to stop the vehicle, the release says the driver fled the scene at a high rate of speed. The officer followed, chasing the suspect to the area around the Xcel Energy Sherco Plant.

The officer lost sight of the vehicle, which police say was later found fully engulfed in flames after it had crashed into a building at the Sherco plant. The suspect had apparently fled the scene on foot. Police say, after an extensive search of the area, involving the Becker Police Department, Big Lake Police Department, Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota State Patrol’s Aviation Unit, Elk River Police Department, and staff at the Xcel Energy Sherco Plant, the man was found and arrested.

Officers say he was taken to St. Cloud Hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Charges against the man, including fleeing police, trespassing, and damage to property, are pending.

Police say the investigation is ongoing.

KNSI does not typically name suspects until they have been formally charged.

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