Team effort by law enforcement tracks down stolen trailer, suspect

Working across multiple agencies, Northland law enforcement says they were able to locate the suspect who allegedly stole a trailer from a local business.

The efforts started just before 5:00pm Monday, with officers responding to Highway 2 and W Skyline Parkway. That’s where the suspected vehicle and trailer were located.

Authorities say the 27-year-old suspect fled the scene on foot, through the woods from Highway 2/I-35 to the Lake Superior Zoo. While being chased by police, the suspect jumped into Kingsbury Creek to avoid officers, then got into a fenced-in area at the Zoo, which was not an enclosure. Authorities were able to detain the suspect, taking him to the hospital for evaluation before getting booked into the St. Louis County Jail. Theft and Fleeing charges are pending.

The Lake Superior Zoo issued a statement to clarify the location where the suspect was located:
As you may have already seen, an individual was arrested yesterday after hours at the zoo. After seeing incorrect information being shared, we want to clarify that the individual did not enter any fenced-in areas. The “fenced-in” area being referred to was simply noting that he was arrested within zoo grounds as we have a full perimeter fence that was breached by the person. He was then apprehended on grounds outside of our animal care center. No animals were harmed, and no exhibits/enclosures were breached by the individual. Our staff was alerted of the breach by local officials and responded quickly to ensure that all animals were safe, and exhibits were intact. We want to thank first responders and dispatch for communicating with our team to ensure everyone was safe.

Officers from the Duluth, Proctor, Hermantown Police Departments worked together with the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, Duluth Fire Department, and Mayo Ambulance to locate both the stolen property and the suspect.