Forest Lake Chase: Officer Dragged, Van Shot Early Thursday

The Forest Lake Police Department is investigating an early morning incident during which an officer was briefly dragged, a minivan was shot and a passenger was "tased." Shortly after 2 a.m. on Thursday, law enforcement were following up on warrant leads when they "made contact" with a minivan on Lee Street in Forest Lake.

When one of the officers attempted to arrest the driver of the minivan, the driver instead fled the scene with officers in pursuit, according to a news release.

Police say one officer who had reached into the vehicle was briefly dragged. While the officer was being dragged, another officer discharged his weapon, striking the vehicle.

No persons were struck by gunfire, according to authorities. After a short pursuit, the vehicle stopped near the intersection of Highway 61 and Highway 97 in Forest Lake. The driver was taken into custody without incident.

Police say an officer "tased" a passenger in the vehicle who did not comply with their commands. The stunned passenger was checked out by EMS personnel at the scene.

The driver and passenger were booked into the Washington County Jail. The officer who was dragged was treated at Fairview Lakes Medical Center in Wyoming, Minnesota and released, according to police.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Investigators are processing evidence and conducting interviews with those involved and any witnesses.

The investigation is being conducted with assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Wyoming Police Department, the Chisago and Washington County sheriff’s offices, and the Washington County Attorney’s Office.

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