Fridley Police Capture Suspect Hiding under Backyard Deck

Fridley police found the man they were looking for Tuesday after a nighttime search that drew the attention of residents in the area of East River Road and 79th Way NE.

According to Lt. Mike Monsrud:

On February 14, 2012 at 2145 Hrs. Fridley Police were notified that [a] (25 year old Fridley man) had several felony warrants for his arrest and was in the area of [7800 block of Firwood Way]. Fridley Police were aware that [the suspect] had current arrest warrants for 3rd Degree assault, theft and driving after revocation. When Fridley Police arrived on the scene they observed [the suspect] flee from the area on foot. Fridley Police officers quickly established a perimeter and K-9 Kona began searching for the suspect. The suspect was located by the K-9 a short time later hiding under a deck in the backyard of a residence in the 7800 block of Firwood Way. [The suspect] surrendered to police and was taken into custody without incident. A Fridley Police officer sustained minor injuries when he fell on some ice during the initial foot pursuit of [the suspect]. The officer was treated and released from Unity hospital and resumed his patrol duties. [The suspect] was transported to the Anoka County Jail where he is being held on the warrants and an additional charge of fleeing police on foot.

Anoka County Emergency radio indicated police were covering an area of several blocks, including , Alden Way and Riverview Terrace.

On the Fridley Patch Facebook page, neighbors logged what they saw:

Saw 6-8 police cars between 85th and 77th. Two drove into the River Pointe apartments. I would say searching for someone who fled on foot.

Tons of sirens when I had the dog out. I [live] just off 79th... what happened?? Eek

On Twitter:

why r cops and dogs all over 79th and east river rd?????

the dog is searching the house on the w side of eer and south of 79th

what did this person do? Good grief!

The manhunt came two days after in the area of I-694 and Main Street NE for another man who fled a State Patrol traffic stop.

Fridley Patch does not generally name suspects until prosecutors have formally charged them.