Mall of America “license plate readers” aid police to detect stolen vehicles
Bloomington MN Sept 9 2019
A 21-year-old Eagan man driving a stolen pickup truck was arrested after trying to flee police officers on foot in Mall of America’s west parking ramp.
Police officers were dispatched to the mall at approximately 1 p.m. Aug. 24 after a license plate scanner at the mall detected a stolen 2007 Chevrolet pickup truck entering the property.
Mall security personnel identified it in the west ramp, and police officers investigating the vehicle found it occupied, Bitney said.
After watching the suspect exit the vehicle and approach the bed of the truck, officers pulled up to the man and instructed him to approach their squad cars.
The man initially complied, but then took off running, despite being instructed to stop.
A foot pursuit ended when officers caught up to the suspect on the first floor of the ramp, Bitney explained.
A search of the suspect turned up keys to the truck, and there was confusion as to the man’s identity upon the initial check of his name and date of birth, but once his identity was verified, it turned out he had an outstanding warrant for theft, Bitney noted.
The suspect was booked on suspicion of motor vehicle theft, possession of stolen property and fleeing a police officer on foot.
