BMW Pursuit in Robbinsdale Ends After Vehicle Disabled in Construction Area, Charges Say
Hennepin County Jail Booking Photo
ROBBINSDALE MN: — A 26-year-old man is facing a felony fleeing charge after prosecutors allege he led Robbinsdale police on a vehicle pursuit before his BMW became disabled and he ran from officers on foot.
Drake Stuart Rathje has been charged in Hennepin County District Court with felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle and misdemeanor fleeing a peace officer by means other than a motor vehicle. The felony charge carries a maximum sentence of three years and one day in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
According to the criminal complaint, Robbinsdale police officers were on routine patrol near County Road 81 and 40th Avenue North at approximately 6:16 p.m. on Sept. 8 when they saw a gray BMW sedan allegedly make an illegal turn and cut off multiple vehicles.
Officers activated their emergency lights, but prosecutors allege the BMW turned onto Lakeland Avenue North and accelerated away. The complaint states the driver then failed to stop at a posted stop sign at 39th Avenue before continuing south on Lakeland Avenue North.
Police continued pursuing the vehicle as it traveled south onto Newton Avenue North, according to the complaint. Prosecutors allege the BMW sustained damage while traveling through an area of ongoing construction and eventually became disabled.
The driver allegedly got out of the BMW and ran from officers. During the foot pursuit, a witness reportedly told police the driver was hiding in the backyard of a residence on Oliver Avenue North.
Officers went to the area and allegedly found Rathje hiding behind an air-conditioning unit. He was arrested and identified as the driver and registered owner of the BMW, according to the complaint.
Prosecutors say Rathje later told investigators during a Mirandized statement that he had consumed fentanyl earlier that day. Police obtained a search warrant for a blood sample, which was collected and sent to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for testing. The complaint states the results were pending at the time it was filed.
Rathje remained in custody at the time of the complaint.
The charges are allegations. Rathje is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.