Minneapolis Man Facing Assault & DWI Charges After Fleeing From Deputies In Crow Wing County

A Minneapolis man is facing multiple charges in Crow Wing County after he assaulted a deputy, just after evading authorities in a stolen vehicle. The man was also reportedly driving while intoxicated.

The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office reports that during the early hours of March 22nd, while patrolling the city of Nisswa, a deputy observed a suspicious vehicle at the Holiday Station Store. The deputy recalled a similar vehicle that was mentioned in a theft call earlier in the day in the city of Baxter. Based upon the deputy’s suspicions and the behavior of the driver, a traffic stop was attempted.

After attempts to stop the vehicle failed, the deputy, along with other law enforcement, began to pursue the vehicle at speeds upwards of 110 mph. At one point, the vehicle being pursued also traveled southbound in the northbound lane of State Hwy 371 in Baxter.

The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Joseph Lee Samuelson, 35, of Minneapolis, eventually lost control in the city of Brainerd and was apprehended by law enforcement without further incident.

While processing the suspect on suspicion of DWI, the arresting deputy was bit on the hand.

It was learned the vehicle had previously been reported stolen from Brooklyn Park on March 20^th. Items similar to those reported stolen in Baxter were also observed.

Samuelson was arrested and booked into the Crow Wing County Jail on consideration of various charges, including fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, DWI, 4^th degree assault, obstructing legal process and receiving stolen property.

The Brainerd and Baxter Police Departments assisted in the investigation.