Suspected gas drive-off turns into chase

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A suspected gas-drive off in Baldwin turned into a pursuit of a stolen car and a chase down I-94 Sunday morning, May 20.

The St. Croix County Sheriff’s report said a Baldwin officer noticed a car leaving Ray’s Truck Stop about 9:53 a.m. at a high rate of speed and followed the car in a chase that reached 100 mph speeds.

“With an apparent drive-off the pursuit was discontinued,” said Chief Deputy Scott Knudson. “We don’t like chases because it puts the public at risk, us at risk and the victim at risk.”

Then a report came in the car was stolen at the truck stop. A lady was filled up her can and went into the station when a man jumped into her car and drove off, said Knudson.

The pursuit picked up again heading west on I-94. Near exit 4, stop sticks were placed. The vehicle ran over them and deflated two tires. At exit 2 the car took the ramp, went up, over and continued on the westbound freeway, finally becoming disabled, the report said.

The driver, Terrance Wayne Johnson, 25, St. Paul, was arrested on stolen vehicle and other charges.

He was expected to appear in St. Croix County Circuit Court Tuesday afternoon.

Tags: crime and courts, saint croix county, news, crime