Last Saturday, at approximately 1:32 a.m., Officer Tyler Hecht observed a white Toyota Highlander with no license plates. The vehicle appeared to be traveling faster than the posted speed limit.

As Officer Hecht got behind the vehicle, the vehicle went through a red light at Hwy. 10 to go northbound on Co. Rd. 43. Officer Hecht activated his emergency lights, but the vehicle made no effort to slow down. The vehicle then accelerated away from Officer Hecht.

Officer Hecht pursued the vehicle.

The suspect vehicle continued on Co. Rd. 43 and was all over the road and reached speeds of 105mph. Sherburne County Deputy Barrett placed stop sticks at Co. Rd. 15/233rd Ave where the suspect vehicle made contact with the sticks. Officer Tyler Sinclair was in the pursuit and utilized the Pursuit Intervention Technique (P.I.T.) to bring the vehicle into the ditch where it came to a stop.

Officers ordered the driver out of the vehicle and to get down onto the ground. The driver did not comply and responded with, “shoot me.” Officers approached the driver and he resisted while officers attempted to arrest him.

The driver was identified as Michael Johnson, 55 of Burnsville. Johnson repeatedly threatened to assault the officers.

Officer Sinclair observed Johnson had bloodshot, watery eyes and could smell an odor of alcohol coming from Johnson. Officers located two open Natural Light beer cans in the center cup holder. Both cans were about half full.

Officers located two rifles, uncased, and wrapped in a blanket in the trunk. Johnson kicked the back of the squad car and threatened the lives of the officers. He gave the officers the address of his cabin and said he would assault them if they ever came there.