Savage Man Faces Multiple Felony Charges After Allegedly Driving at a Savage Police Officer Before a Multi-City Police Pursuit
Published: January 3, 2026
SAVAGE, MINNESOTA: A routine winter parking enforcement check late last month escalated into a dangerous, multi-city police pursuit after a Savage man allegedly attempted to strike an officer with his vehicle, fled from police, and rammed a squad car before being taken into custody, according to court records.
Michael Charles Schulz, 37, of Savage, is facing multiple felony charges stemming from an incident that began shortly before midnight on December 28, 2025, and involved Savage Police, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, and Prior Lake Police.
Initial Contact: Driver Found Unconscious in Running Vehicle
According to the criminal complaint, a Savage police officer was patrolling near Oregon Avenue and 150th Street at approximately 11:39 p.m. while conducting winter parking enforcement, when they observed a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado parked on the street with its engine running.
The officer approached the vehicle and found Schulz alone in the driver’s seat, unconscious but breathing. Schulz reportedly awoke after the officer shone a flashlight inside the vehicle. The officer also observed an open beer can in the center console. The criminal complaint states that the officer parked their squad behind Schulz's truck and placed a tire deflation device under the rear tires while waiting for backup.
The officer approached the Schulz truck and knocked on the window, waking Schulz again. Schulz reportedly appeared sluggish, had slurred speech, and showed bloodshot and watery eyes, signs consistent with alcohol impairment. When asked if he was okay, Schulz allegedly told officers, “I’m sick as f***” and indicated he lived in nearby townhomes. When officers asked about the last time he consumed alcohol, Schulz did not respond, instead rolling up his windows, locking the doors, and refusing further contact.
Attempted Arrest Turns Violent
After refusing to answer and locking the door, court records state that Schulz put the truck in reverse, drove over the tire deflating device, thereby deflating the driver's side back tire.
The officer then drew his firearm, while other officers, now on scene, issued commands for Schulz to exit the vehicle. Instead, court records allege Schulz looked at the officer, did not exit the truck, and turned the truck toward the officer, accelerating toward him. This forced the officer to run to the rear of their squad car to avoid being struck as Schulz fled northbound on Oregon Avenue.
Authorities allege the vehicle was used as a dangerous weapon, forming the basis for the first of the two second-degree assault charges involving two separate officers.
Pursuit Through Multiple Communities
With emergency lights and sirens activated, officers pursued the truck as it traveled through residential neighborhoods and multiple roadways, weaving through a townhome complex and continuing through Oregon Avenue, 150th Street, Dakota Avenue, 154th Street, Murphy Lake Boulevard, Eagle Creek Avenue, Texas Avenue, and 190th Street. This would be the basis for the felony for fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.
During the pursuit, Prior Lake Police deployed tire spikes, successfully deflating all four tires. Despite this, the vehicle continued moving, and Scott County sheriff’s deputies attempted several PIT maneuvers, all of which were unsuccessful.
The pursuit ended near Oregon Avenue and 150th Street, where prosecutors allege Schulz intentionally rammed Deputy Fordice’s squad car, damaging the vehicle and impairing public safety services. Authorities say the collision created a foreseeable risk of bodily harm and disrupted law enforcement operations. This would be the basis for the other second-degree assault charge with a dangerous weapon and the first-degree damage to property - public safety motor vehicle charges.
Firearm and Alcohol Found Inside Vehicle
After Schulz was taken into custody, officers searched the vehicle and reported finding:
A 9mm Sig Sauer P365 handgun concealed beneath the center console
Eight boxes of ammunition
Numerous empty beer containers
Additional unopened cans of alcohol
Schulz was transported to the Savage Police Department before being taken to St. Francis Hospital, where a blood sample was collected pursuant to a search warrant signed by a judge. Investigators later noted that Schulz had prior impaired driving convictions within the past decade, which elevated the DWI charge to a third-degree offense.
Defendant’s Statements to Police
According to the complaint, Schulz told officers he had been parked for approximately 90 minutes and began drinking after parking because snowplows prevented him from using his driveway. He acknowledged knowing officers could arrest him for DWI and admitted he was not thinking clearly.
Regarding the collision with the squad car, Schulz allegedly stated, “I only bumped the one because I got bumped,” and later apologized, telling officers, “I screwed up.”
Summary of Charges Filed
According to court records, Michael Charles Schulz, 37, of Savage, faces the following charges stemming from the December 28, 2025, incident:
Two counts of 2nd-Degree Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Felony)
Prosecutors allege Schulz used a motor vehicle as a dangerous weapon when he accelerated toward a Savage police officer and later struck a Scott County sheriff’s deputy’s squad car during the pursuit.Fleeing a Peace Officer in a Motor Vehicle (Felony)
Authorities allege Schulz knowingly fled from law enforcement officers who were attempting to conduct a lawful stop, leading police on a pursuit through multiple communities.1st-Degree Damage to Property – Public Safety Motor Vehicle (Felony)
This charge stems from allegations that Schulz intentionally damaged a law enforcement squad vehicle, impairing public safety services and creating a foreseeable risk of bodily harm.3rd-Degree Driving While Impaired (Gross Misdemeanor)
Prosecutors allege Schulz operated a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Court records indicate an aggravating factor was present due to prior impaired driving convictions within the past 10 years.Carrying a Pistol While Under the Influence of Alcohol (Misdemeanor)
Authorities allege Schulz was carrying a handgun in a public place while under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
Each charge is an allegation, and Schulz is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
In addition to the above charges, forfeiture orders were filed by the Scott County Attorney’s Office for Schulz’s truck and handgun, as required by state statute, pending the outcome of the criminal case.
Release Conditions and Next Steps
Schulz's bail was set at $50,000 with conditions or $5,000 cash. Release conditions include a prohibition on alcohol and firearms, surrender of any permit to carry, compliance with alcohol monitoring, no contact with the involved officers, and mandatory court appearances.
The case remains active in Scott County District Court. All charges are allegations, and Schulz is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Pictured: Antony William Arnett, Provided by the Scott County Jail.
Written by: Will Wight
