Inver Grove Heights Man Charged After Allegedly Impersonating an Officer, Attempting a Traffic Stop on a Maple Grove Police Officer
MAPLE GROVE, MINNESOTA – A 47-year-old Inver Grove Heights man is facing multiple charges, including assault with a dangerous weapon and impersonating a peace officer, after prosecutors say he attempted to pull over an on-duty Maple Grove police officer while using flashing red lights and pretending to be law enforcement.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County, the incident began around 9:40 a.m. on September 11, 2025, when a Maple Grove officer was driving southbound on Highway 169 in an unmarked squad car. The officer, who was in full uniform, noticed a vehicle following closely before passing aggressively and cutting him off. The suspect vehicle was identified as a car bearing a Minnesota license plate ZYN257.
Escalation on Highway 169
The complaint states the suspect, later identified as Luke Aaron Reuter, 47, of Inver Grove Heights, repeatedly drove dangerously around the officer, tailgating, slowing suddenly in front of him, and pulling alongside while pointing what appeared to be a phone. At one point, concerned for his safety, the officer accelerated to avoid Reuter.
The officer attempted to distance himself by exiting onto Highway 62 and later into Edina, but Reuter continued to follow. Prosecutors allege that Reuter then activated a small red light attached to his visor, exited his car, and approached the officer while claiming to have a body camera and holding up a cell phone as though he were recording a stop.
Confrontation and Escape
When the officer identified himself and told Reuter he was under arrest, Reuter allegedly tried to escape by repeatedly maneuvering his vehicle around the officer. The complaint states that Reuter drove toward the officer’s legs on at least three occasions, forcing the officer to move to avoid being struck. Reuter then fled westbound on Industrial Boulevard in Edina.
Investigators later noted this conduct supported a charge of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, a felony that carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.
911 Call and Suspect Statements
Records show that during the incident, Reuter himself called 911, initially claiming he believed the Maple Grove officer was an impersonator. However, during the call he admitted, “He is clearly a police officer,” while also stating, “He’s gonna f---ing learn you don’t do that” and “I’ll follow him to where he goes and we will figure this out.”
Prosecutors allege that Reuter’s words and actions demonstrated intent to impersonate an officer and mislead others, while escalating into a dangerous confrontation.
Arrest and Evidence
Several hours later, Reuter was located in Inver Grove Heights and arrested. A search of his vehicle uncovered multiple items resembling police-style equipment, including:
A blue shark-fin magnetic light
A small LED light capable of flashing red and blue
A rectangular black LED light
A police-style flashlight
A rearview mirror-mounted dash camera
Four interior LED light bars with remote controls
Investigators confirmed all the lights were functional.
In a Mirandized interview, Reuter admitted hearing the officer order him to stop and acknowledged circling the officer’s vehicle while attempting to pull him over.
Charges Filed
Reuter is now charged with four offenses in Hennepin County District Court:
Count I: Assault in the Second Degree with a Dangerous Weapon (Felony)
Minimum sentence: 1 year and 1 day; Maximum: 7 years and/or $14,000 fineCount II: Fleeing a Peace Officer in a Motor Vehicle (Felony)
Maximum: 3 years and 1 day and/or $5,000 fineCount III: Impersonating a Peace Officer – Use of Prohibited Lights or Siren (Gross Misdemeanor)
Maximum: 364 days and/or $3,000 fineCount IV: Impersonating a Peace Officer – Intent to Mislead (Misdemeanor)
Maximum: 90 days and/or up to $1,000 fine
Reuter made his first appearance in Hennepin County District Court on September 15, 2025. His next court appearance is set for November 4, 2025, at 2 PM. Court records show that Reuter posted a $50,000 non-cash bond on September 12, 2025.
Provided by the Hennepin County Jail.
This article provides an overview of the allegations against Reuter, detailing the charges, evidence, and potential legal outcomes. The community is reminded that charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Further updates on this case will depend on the progress of the legal proceedings.
Written by: Juan Perez
