Suspect who drove stolen car toward officer, hit squad charged

Photo credit Columbia Heights Police

Police in Columbia Heights, Minnesota are asking for help finding a suspect wanted for driving a stolen BMW toward an officer and hitting a squad car earlier this month. 

According to police, on Nov. 19, authorities responded to a call of a suspicious person sleeping in a beige BMW in the 4200 block of 3rd Street NE in Columbia Heights. While two officers were attempting to identify the man, he accelerated toward an officer, causing him to jump out of the way.

The suspect then struck an unmarked squad car, leaving it significantly damaged. He then fled the scene.

Authorities learned the BMW was stolen out of Minnetonka and recovered unoccupied in Fridley, Minn.

Nov. 30, police announced the man was identified as Michael Edward Stephen White, 32, of Minneapolis. He has been charged with one felony count of second degree assault, one felony count of theft of motor vehicle, one felony count of criminal damage to property in the first degree and one felony count of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle. 

According to a criminal complaint filed in Anoka County District Court, the damage to the car was estimated at over $1,000. 

Officers were wearing body cameras at the time and have released photos from the video in attempts to identify the suspect. Anyone with information as to White's whereabouts is asked to call Columbia Heights police at 763-427-1212.