Two arrested in assault on officer, short car chase
WILLMAR -- Two suspects have been arrested and a third suspect in being sought in connection with a chase Friday evening in Willmar, during which a police officer was assaulted and another officer was almost run over by a car.
The incident began to unfold at 8:40 p.m. Friday when a Willmar police officer tried to make an arrest in Regency Park East. According to a police report, the suspect fled into a nearby mobile home. The officer followed and was assaulted by a second person inside the trailer. Both suspects then ran from the trailer, jumped into a car and attempted to drive away.
Responding officers, who were on foot, managed to stop the fleeing vehicle, but the driver suddenly accelerated and veered toward one of the officers, a police sergeant said.
The officer jumped out of the way and the car fled the scene, stopping a short distance away at another mobile home in Regency East. The original suspect fled once again on foot and ran into yet another mobile home, where he was found and taken into custody. Arrested in the incident were Roel Gallardo, 31, of Albert Lea and Michael Molina, 21, of Willmar.
ADVERTISEMENT
Charges pending against Gallardo include fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance, obstructing the legal process and fleeing a police officer. He also faces charges of liability for crimes of another in connection with the assault and with the motor vehicle pursuit.
Molina may be charged with marijuana possession and fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance. He also was arrested on an outstanding traffic warrant.
The third suspect, the driver of the vehicle, has been identified but remains at large.
Pending charges include second-degree assault with a deadly weapon, fourth-degree assault of a police officer, fleeing a police officer and obstructing the legal process.
No injuries or property damage were reported during the one-minute motor vehicle pursuit.
The incident remains under investigation.
The Willmar Police Department was assisted by the Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office and the Minnesota State Patrol.
Burglaries
ADVERTISEMENT
LAKE LILLIAN -- The Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Department is investigating a burglary reported Friday evening at a cabin on the south side of Big Kandiyohi Lake. A television, DVD player and some cash were stolen.
Arrests
NEW LONDON -- A 17-year-old is in custody at Prairie Lakes Detention Center in Willmar after being picked up early Sunday morning on suspicion of driving while impaired.
Authorities were tipped off by a resident of a rural neighborhood south of Lake Andrew, who reported seeing someone sleeping in a parked vehicle at 5:45 a.m.
Charges pending against the youth include driving under the influence, open bottle and receiving stolen property.
