Suspect with a History of Fleeing Taken Into Custody After Multi-Agency Search in Hastings
Provided by the Dakota County Jail.
Published: April 10, 2026
HASTINGS, MINNESOTA - A significant law enforcement response unfolded Wednesday morning in Hastings after a suspect fled from officers, prompting a coordinated search across land, air, and water. A suspect with a documented history of fleeing from authorities ran from officers during an attempted arrest tied to a felony warrant for a parole violation.
Incident Details
According to Hastings Police, officers attempted to take Joseph Harrison Baynes, 37, into custody on a Department of Corrections (DOC) warrant for a parole violation. The encounter occurred around 10:55 a.m. near 2nd Street and River Street.
Police say Baynes fled on foot from officers, running toward Jaycee Park/Lake Rebecca, prompting a coordinated search effort.
Multiple agencies responded to assist, including:
Dakota County Sheriff’s Office
Cottage Grove Police Department
Minnesota State Patrol Air Patrol
Dakota County Park Rangers, including a boat unit
Hastings Fire Department medics
The search spanned wooded and river-adjacent areas between Nininger Road/2nd Street West and the Mississippi River, with air and water resources requested as a precaution.
After approximately 30 minutes of evading officers, including swimming in Lake Rebecca, Bayne was taken into custody at approximately 11:25 a.m. without further incident. In addition to the warrant, he was cited for misdemeanor fleeing on foot and was being held at Dakota County Jail, where he was waiting for the DOC to take custody of him.
Prior Escape from Custody in 2023
This is not the first time Baynes has attempted to evade law enforcement. In August 2023, Baynes escaped from custody while being transported by Dakota County Sheriff’s Office deputies in Bulloch County, Georgia.
According to officials, deputies had taken custody of Baynes at a local jail on a Dakota County felony harassment warrant. While en route to the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, Baynes managed to escape custody.
A large-scale search involving local, state, and federal agencies was launched in a heavily wooded area on airport property, but authorities were initially unable to locate him. Officials confirmed at the time that Baynes was unarmed, and the deputies were not injured. The circumstances surrounding his escape remained under investigation.
Supervised Release Status
Records from the Minnesota Department of Corrections show Baynes is currently on intensive supervised release, which began November 6, 2025, and is scheduled to continue through November 13, 2026. That supervision is tied to a felony harassment conviction from October 2025 out of Lakeville, Minnesota.
Criminal History Overview
A review of the suspect’s criminal history and court records reveals a lengthy record spanning nearly two decades, including multiple felony and misdemeanor convictions.
Notable convictions include:
Felony Harassment (3rd or subsequent violation) – 2025
Felony Domestic Assault – 2019 and 2013
Predatory Offender Registration Violations (multiple felony counts) – 2014–2019
Violation of a No Contact Order (felony) – 2017
Assault (5th Degree) – 2023
Driving While Impaired (Gross Misdemeanor) – 2024
Obstruction of Legal Process – multiple incidents
Disorderly Conduct – multiple incidents
Fleeing Police (non-motor vehicle) – 2015
Drug Possession (5th Degree) – 2013
Terroristic Threats – 2008
The history reflects a pattern of offenses involving violence, violations of court orders, and repeated interactions with law enforcement.
Written by: Will Wight
