Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Edgar Linares, 612-919-5918
Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Arrest Suspect Wanted for Multiple Auto Thefts
August 18, 2023 (Minneapolis) - The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has arrested a suspect for multiple vehicle thefts that occurred in Golden Valley. The suspect is identified as 33-year-old Brian Baragar.
On Thursday, August 17, the HCSO Violent Offender Task Force (VOTF) was made aware of a stolen Porsche that was taken in Golden Valley and later rammed into a HCSO detective’s squad car before fleeing the area. They were also aware of a Crime Alert from the Golden Valley Police Department identifying Baragar as a primary suspect in a multi-vehicle theft from Morrie’s Reconditioning Center in Golden Valley that took place on August 15.
At approximately 4:00 PM on August 17, VOTF detectives responded to a crash at 52nd Avenue North and Vincent Avenue North in Minneapolis, where the driver of a Porsche crashed into a vehicle. Witnesses identified the driver of the Porsche as Baragar and told detectives he had driven away from the scene in a blue car with a Domino’s Pizza sign on it. A vehicle stolen at Morrie’s Reconditioning Center in Golden Valley fit that description.
Today, at approximately 9:25 AM, VOTF detectives spotted a blue Camaro in downtown Minneapolis in front of the Normandy Hotel. They believed the driver of the vehicle to be Baragar and asked for assistance from the Minneapolis Police Department and their Gun Investigations Unit (GIU).
The driver of the Camaro was ultimately seen entering a back parking lot of Wendy’s on West Broadway Avenue in Minneapolis. The Camaro was blocked in by law enforcement vehicles, but the driver attempted to ram his way out, causing damage to at least four law enforcement vehicles. Ultimately, the Camaro was pinned against a tree and blocked on all sides. The driver, later identified as Baragar, was taken into custody. No law enforcement personnel were injured.
“The suspect in this case showed disregard for community members and law enforcement with his actions. We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to apprehend criminals endangering our communities.” said Sheriff Dawanna Witt.
Baragar is currently in custody awaiting formal charges.
– HCSO–
Look for more news on the Hennepin County Sheriff's website at hennepinsheriff.org.
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