GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Things are always happening in the studio when KARE 11 Sunrise is unfolding, but on Tuesday morning, the most intense action was actually outside the station.
Sunrise anchor Jason Hackett was at his desk preparing for the 5 a.m. show when he noticed an army of squad cars speeding down General Mills Boulevard. It turns out officers were pursuing a vehicle reported stolen out of Wayzata.
Minnesota Department of Transportation cameras captured a squad car spinning the stolen Porsche out at the intersection of General Mills Boulevard and Highway 55 with a PIT maneuver, and multiple juveniles bailing out. The vehicle - badly damaged and with a tire blown out - was eventually towed from the scene.
Golden Valley Police Chief Virgil Green confirmed that the driver and two other juveniles were taken into custody while one - thought to be armed - escaped in the vicinity of Brookview Golf Course. Officers fanned out on the course with flashlights, looking for the suspect. Green added that a Sig Sauer handgun with an extended magazine was located inside of the stolen vehicle.
Several Golden Valley squad vehicles were damaged during the incident but no officers were injured. Chief Green commended his patrols for their "dedication and professionalism in handling a high-stakes situation" and protecting their community.
This is a developing story. KARE 11 will share additional details as they become available.