Car Theft Tests Cottage Grove Police

Members of the Cottage Grove Police Department attempted to stop a man on Sunday afternoon as his vehicle was the subject of an attempted speed violation traffic stop following his failure to stop at several stop signs on East Point Douglas Road, near Arby’s restaurant. Thirty year old Joshua Raymond Lee, refused to stop and eventually turned the wrong way on 80th street near the intersection of Hwy 61. The driver crashed the car, which was determined to have been stolen, into the concrete lane divider, then opened the door and attempted to run from officers, narrowly missing being struck by other vehicles in his flight. Lee was finally arrested at gun point near the Holiday Gas Station on suspicion of felony fleeing in a vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle and fleeing on foot.The suspect was taken into custody and awaits arraignment at the Washington County jail on suspicion of the charges, and for an outstanding Mille Lacs County warrant. (Photo credit – South Washington County Bulletin)