Newport Man Charged After Allegedly Fleeing Troopers, Found Hiding in Trees and Brush in Ramsey County
Published: August 4th, 2026.
Ramsey County Jail Booking Photo
SAINT PAUL MN: A Newport man is facing a felony charge after authorities allege he led Minnesota State Patrol troopers on a high-speed pursuit before abandoning his motorcycle and hiding in trees and brush alongside a roadway.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Ramsey County District Court, Matthew Joseph Galatowitsch, 35, of Newport, has been charged with one count of felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.Newport Man Charged After Allegedly Fleeing Troopers, Found Hiding in Trees and Brush in Ramsey County
According to the complaint, at approximately 11:18 p.m. on Aug. 3, 2026, a Minnesota State Patrol trooper was patrolling the ramp from Pascal Street to eastbound Interstate 94 in St. Paul when three motorcycles allegedly entered eastbound I-94 from Snelling Avenue and accelerated to speeds of up to 90 mph in a posted 55 mph zone.
The complaint states the motorcycles slowed as they approached another state patrol squad. Troopers activated their emergency lights to stop two of the motorcycles. While one rider reportedly signaled and began pulling over, authorities allege the lead rider, operating a 2010 Yamaha XVS650, accelerated instead.
According to the complaint, the motorcycle continued north on Interstate 35E, reaching approximately 92 mph as it approached Little Canada Road. Troopers allege the rider then entered a construction zone, turned around, drove the wrong direction, crossed the median, and traveled southbound in the northbound lanes of I-35E before exiting at Little Canada Road.
Authorities allege the motorcycle was later found abandoned in the parking lot of Porterhouse Steak & Seafood Restaurant. Troopers then located the alleged rider hiding in trees and brush along Country Drive, where he was taken into custody.
According to the complaint, when Galatowitsch was informed he was under arrest for fleeing, he allegedly responded, "I get that, but what was the deal? There were three other bikers there and you singled me out."
The complaint states deputies also recovered Galatowitsch's wallet, which contained an insurance card bearing his name. Authorities further allege his Minnesota driver's license was revoked at the time of the incident.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Galatowitsch allegedly told investigators he did not immediately notice the emergency lights while on Interstate 94 but acknowledged that he eventually saw the flashing red and blue lights. According to the complaint, he also admitted hearing the siren and continuing to drive after recognizing law enforcement was attempting to stop him.
The allegations contained in the criminal complaint are accusations. Galatowitsch is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.