Burglary Suspect Arrested After Fleeing Police and Crashing into Building in Melrose

(KNSI) – A burglary suspect is arrested after fleeing police and crashing into a building in Melrose.

According to the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, between 8:00 and 10:00 on Tuesday morning, dispatch received two burglary calls and a suspicious person complaint in Melrose Township and neighboring Millwood Township.

Stearns County Sheriff’s Deputies and investigators identified a 32-year-old man from Eden Valley as a possible suspect. The suspect was seen driving away from a home in Melrose Township. A sheriff’s deputy followed the vehicle into Melrose, where the deputy and a police officer pulled the suspect over. The man was told he was being held for questioning in connection to a burglary and then fled from the scene at a high rate of speed into downtown. Officers did not chase the man due to his driving conduct.

Police say he tried to turn onto Main Street from County Road 13 when he lost control and crashed into a pole and building. The suspect then fled on foot. More officers were called to help, including Stearns County K9 Rex. His keen nose tracked the suspect to a nearby box truck.

The truck was surrounded, and when the man refused to come out, deputies deployed chemical irritants into the truck. The suspect then surrendered without further incident. The man is being held on suspicion of burglary, fleeing police in a motor vehicle, DWI, tampering with a motor vehicle, and leaving the scene of a property crime.

KNSI News has a policy of not identifying suspects until they’re formally charged.

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