People Are Unknowingly Picking Up Criminal Suspects: Dakota County Sheriff's Office

The Dakota County Sheriff's Department is warning residents against giving rides to strangers after two people unknowingly picked up criminal suspects. Dakota County responded to two instances recently where residents unknowingly picked up suspects in crimes and drove them away from the area, according to a news release. Officials say this type of incident has happened several times in the past.

In the most recent case, deputies were dispatched to a burglary and found the suspect's car, which was stuck in a field. The suspect then stole a tractor and attempted to drive through a garage door. When unsuccessful, he stole a bicycle and went to another residence where he stole additional items, according to authorities. While attempting to locate the suspect, deputies were flagged down and advised a resident gave him a ride from the area. He was later located and arrested. The suspect had a significant criminal history, including prior convictions for burglary, assault and narcotics, police say.

Rather than picking up someone you don't know, please call 911 and we will have a deputy respond to assist. We can either provide them transportation or determine that we may need to speak with them further.

Is hitchhiking is a crime in Minnesota?

Minnesota State Statute 169.22 states that "no person shall stand in a roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride from the driver of any private vehicle." A member of the Minnesota State Patrol told the Winona Daily News earlier this year that if a pedestrian is off the roadway, in a shoulder or a ditch, they could technically solicit a ride from a person driving a motor vehicle.

Image via overdrive_cz, Flickr, used under Creative Commons