St. Paul Man Charged After Allegedly Fleeing Ramsey County Traffic Stop
Published: May 18th 2026
SAINT PAUL MN: A St. Paul man is facing a felony charge after allegedly fleeing from law enforcement officers during a traffic stop in Saint Paul.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Ramsey County District Court, 31-year-old Tracy De’Jaron Daiquane Smith was charged with felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle under Minnesota Statute 609.487.3. The charge carries a maximum penalty of three years and one day in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both.
According to the complaint, on May 15, 2026, officers observed a white Ford Fusion with Minnesota license plate TJW026 run a red light near Sixth and Wabasha Streets in St. Paul. Officers stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as Smith.
The complaint states Smith told officers the traffic light had been yellow. An officer allegedly observed Smith had slurred speech and asked him to exit the vehicle.
According to the complaint, Smith then placed the Ford Fusion in neutral and revved the engine. Officers reportedly told Smith not to flee, but the complaint states he put the vehicle in gear and sped away from the stop.
Later that day, Ramsey County Deputy McManus learned the same vehicle had fled from officers. According to the complaint, the deputy located the Ford Fusion traveling northbound on Western Avenue near University Avenue in St. Paul and activated his squad car’s emergency lights and siren.
The complaint states the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed, ran multiple stop signs, and passed vehicles on the wrong side of the road before eventually stopping near Jessamine Avenue and Mackubin Street.
Court records cited in the complaint state Smith’s driver’s license was revoked at the time of the incident.
The complaint also states an arrest warrant had been issued for Smith on April 27, 2026, after he allegedly failed to comply with conditions of release in a separate Ramsey County gross misdemeanor DWI case.
Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.