Hennepin County Jail Booking Photo
Published: November 12th, 2026.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - A 22-year-old Burnsville man is facing criminal charges after allegedly fleeing Minnesota State Patrol troopers during a traffic stop, leading to a pursuit, a crash and a search that ended with authorities finding him hiding behind a tree in Minneapolis.
Joshua Manu Gorman has been charged with felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle and misdemeanor fleeing a peace officer by means other than a motor vehicle, according to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County.
According to the complaint, the incident began around 10:38 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, when Minnesota State Patrol troopers traveling northbound on Interstate 94 near Highway 55 in Minneapolis observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed.
Troopers allegedly recorded the vehicle traveling 99 mph in a posted 60 mph zone while weaving recklessly through traffic without signaling.
Authorities initiated a traffic stop near Dowling Avenue and identified Gorman as the driver.
Upon approaching the vehicle, troopers reported observing several open beer cans, detecting an odor of alcohol and noticing that Gorman had bloodshot, watery eyes.
According to the complaint, Gorman refused orders to exit the vehicle and resisted troopers' attempts to remove him. He then allegedly accelerated and fled the traffic stop.
Law enforcement subsequently located Gorman near a Mississippi River boat ramp, where he allegedly fled again, nearly striking a squad car before crashing into a steel post and a dirt mound.
Following the crash, Gorman allegedly fled on foot. Authorities located him approximately one hour later hiding behind a tree near Washington Avenue North and 42nd Avenue North.
During his arrest, troopers reported observing signs of possible impairment, including pinpoint pupils, droopy eyelids and difficulty remaining conscious.
According to the complaint, Gorman told authorities he believed he was overdosing. He was administered Narcan and transported to Hennepin County Medical Center for medical evaluation.
A preliminary breath test indicated an alcohol concentration of 0.062.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Gorman allegedly admitted to consuming more than 20 beers that day and participating in a four-day binge involving ketamine, cocaine and alcohol. He also reportedly acknowledged driving while consuming alcohol.
Troopers subsequently obtained a search warrant, and a blood sample was collected at approximately 2:08 a.m. on November 11.
Gorman was booked into the Hennepin County Jail, where the complaint indicated he remained in custody.
Under Minnesota Statute 609.487, subdivision 3, felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle carries a maximum penalty of three years and one day in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
The additional misdemeanor charge of fleeing a peace officer by means other than a motor vehicle carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
The alleged offenses occurred in Hennepin County, although the provided criminal complaint identifies the case as filed in Dakota County.
The charges are allegations, and Gorman is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.