At 4:39 a.m. on September 3, 2024, Wayzata Police responded to an automated license plate reader alert indicating a stolen vehicle near Wayzata Boulevard and Gleason Lake Road. Officers located the vehicle, a 2018 Porsche Macan, which had been reported stolen the previous day in Eden Prairie.
When officers attempted to stop the Porsche, the driver fled, initiating a lengthy pursuit through Minnetonka and into Golden Valley. The pursuit concluded when officers used a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver to bring the vehicle to a stop. Minnetonka police also assisted with StopSticks.
During the incident, several juveniles fled the scene on foot. Three were apprehended, while one suspect remains at large. A loaded, stolen Sig Sauer handgun and an extended magazine were recovered from the vehicle. The individual still sought is believed to be armed and was last seen wearing a black hoodie, dark pants, and a white undershirt.
In a statement, Golden Valley Police Chief Virgil Green reported that the pursuit ended on General Mills Boulevard, south of Highway 55. Although several Golden Valley police units sustained damage during the chase, no officers were injured.
Wayzata Police Chief Marc Schultz noted the rising frequency of such incidents. “This type of criminal activity has become all too frequent for officers across the metro,” he said. “For Wayzata alone, this is the second stolen vehicle we’ve pursued off a FLOCK ALPR hit with juveniles and loaded stolen guns in the car in 5 weeks. These kids are coming to our communities to commit crimes. Our officers have done a remarkable job in dealing with these dangerous high-stress situations in an effort to keep our community safe.”
Chief Green praised the efforts of the Golden Valley police, highlighting their “dedication and professionalism” in managing the high-stakes situation while ensuring community safety. The Wayzata Police Department has taken custody of the three juveniles, the firearm, and the stolen vehicle.
