Dakota County Man Charged After Allegedly Fleeing IGH Police at More Than 120 MPH on Highway 52
Published: May 26th 2026
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS: A Dakota County man is facing a felony fleeing charge after allegedly leading law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit reaching more than 120 mph, with the defendant later allegedly telling officers he fled because he did not want to receive a speeding ticket he could not afford, according to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County.
Marcelino Anthony Vasquez, DOB 09/11/2006, has been charged with one count of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, a felony offense under Minnesota law. The charge carries a maximum penalty of three years and one day in prison and/or a fine ranging from $1,500 to $5,000.
According to the complaint, the incident occurred May 22, 2026, when an officer with the Inver Grove Heights Police Department was on routine patrol near the intersection of Babcock Trail and 70th Street East in Inver Grove Heights. The officer allegedly observed a vehicle bearing Minnesota license plate ZPG886 proceed through a stop sign without stopping.
The complaint states the officer activated emergency lights and attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the vehicle did not stop and instead entered northbound Highway 52 while increasing speed.
According to the complaint, the pursuing officer aired the pursuit as the vehicle accelerated to speeds exceeding 120 mph. The pursuit reportedly continued for approximately 7.4 miles, during which the vehicle allegedly never complied with the officer’s attempt to stop it.
The officer ultimately discontinued the pursuit after receiving information that law enforcement aircraft had visual contact with the vehicle, according to the complaint.
Authorities later stopped the vehicle with assistance from the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota State Patrol. Vasquez was identified as the driver and was arrested at the scene, the complaint states.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Vasquez allegedly told the officer that he saw the squad car behind him and knew he was supposed to pull over, but decided to speed away because he did not want to receive a speeding ticket he could not afford, according to the complaint.
Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.