Anoka hostage standoff: Hours-long incident at car wash ends after suspect in custody

An attempt to arrest a robbery suspect in Anoka on Wednesday turned into an hours-long hostage situation on Wednesday.

As of 9 p.m., police were still on the scene outside a car wash on East River Road near S 7th Avenue for the incident that started before 6 p.m. By 10:20 p.m., the suspect was taken into custody, the Blaine Police Department said

In a news release, Blaine police say the wanted man was suspected of being involved in a shoplifting at the Walmart on Ball Road Northeast, during which he allegedly pulled a gun on a loss prevention officer.

Wednesday evening, officers attempted to arrest the man along East River Road when they say he rammed multiple squads and became trapped at the scene by police.

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From: FOX 9

Police said the man had a gun and refused to cooperate with authorities, informing them he was holding a hostage, which was identified as his girlfriend. Anoka law enforcement and a negotiator were on the scene for several hours and the suspect was ultimately taken into custody without incident. 

The suspect was taken to a local hospital to be treated for minor injuries. No other injuries were reported. 

The man was booked into the Anoka County Jail on multiple offensives and active arrest warrants from several jurisdictions. Authorities gave the case to the Anoka County Attorney’s Office to review for charges. 

This is a developing situation and will be updated as more information is made available.