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Crime Fund Reward helps Minnetonka Police find Wanted Fugitive

In July 2012 Minnetonka Police Received 2 reports of burglaries at an apartment building. In both cases, the reported losses totaled more than $10,000. The evidence at the scene was very unique and similar in both cases leading detectives to believe that the cases were committed by the same suspect. Although there was no suspect identified at the time police took the reports, evidence taken at the scene later developed a DNA match.

During the summer of 2012, other local communities reported similar burglaries in which the same unique evidence was left at the scene. It was apparent this suspect was actively committing burglaries in several communities.

As Minnetonka detectives attempted to locate the suspect it was learned that he was a wanted fugitive for previous burglaries. Detectives were able to establish an area in Minneapolis that the suspect frequented. A “Wanted” flier was created with the suspect’s photo and criminal history; this flier was distributed to the neighborhood where the suspect was believed to be. The flier stated that there was a reward for any information leading to the arrest of the suspect. Within hours of distributing the fliers, a Minnetonka detective was contacted by a business stating that the wanted suspect was in the parking lot of his business. Detectives rushed to the area, located the suspect and arrested him.

While police were booking the suspect, he was asked if he had any tattoos, scars, or marks. The suspect stated “I spent 25 years in jail and I don’t even have one tattoo, but I think I am going to get Minnetonka PD tattooed on my arm because you are the only ones who could catch me”. The suspect was sentenced to 48 months in jail. The business owner who contacted police with the tip received a $1,000 cash reward for the information he provided. This reward money was made available through the Minnetonka Police Department Crime Fund.