UPDATE: Faribault Police Chief Andy Bohlen told KDHL that Joshua Paul Barron was taken into custody by coordinated efforts of several Rice County area investigators, Cannon River Drug and Violent Offender Task Force agents, Minnesota State Patrol and Dakota County law enforcement officers.

Bohlen says Barron was apprehended in rural southern Dakota County in another suspected stolen vehicle.

The chief told us nobody was injured during the arrest and said, "We are grateful for the outstanding efforts of all involved to take this dangerous guy into custody."

He was captured not long after Bohlen asked KDHL and Power 96 to notify the public about assisting in locating "a very dangerous criminal."

Earlier:

In a news release, Bohlen says Monday, February 1, 2016, agents with the Cannon River Drug and Violent Offender Task Force were assisted by Faribault police and Rice County sheriff's investigators in attempting to apprehend 32-year-old Joshua Paul Barron for narcotics sales and suspected possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

The attempted arrest happened in Burnsville and Bohlen says Barron smashed into police offices' vehicles, nearly striking an agent who was outside his vehicle.

Barron escaped in a stolen 2010 Chevy Silverado pickup bearing Minnesota license dealer plate 01343D.

Several unoccupied vehicles in the parking lot were damaged by Barron during his escape, according to Bohlen's news release.

According to Bohlen, Barron has a violent history, including convictions in felony assault, possession of a dangerous weapon, fleeing police in a motor vehicle, and numerous other felonious crimes.

He is also subject to pending criminal files in Rice and Steele counties involving theft, possession of narcotics, and possession of a handgun by a prohibited Individual.

Bohlen says Barron is also suspected of being involved in the multiple agency pursuit that ended last week in Lakeville, involving another stolen vehicle pulling a stolen snowmobile trailer.

Captured Joshua-Barron
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Bohlen stresses that Barron should be considered "armed and dangerous."

Commander Dave Dillon encourages citizens who may know Barron's location to "call 911 immediately and advise law enforcement of his location. Do not approach him. Mr. Barron's past behavior shows blatant disregard for the public's safety as well as his own. He has been known to carry weapons in the past and has fled numerous times from law enforcement. Even smashing his vehicle into law enforcement squads."

Dillon adds, "For the public's safety, Mr. Barron needs to be taken into custody."

A reward is available for information leading to his capture.

If you have information about Barron's whereabouts, you are asked to call the Cannon River Drug and Violent Offender Task Force at (507) 334-4305 or 911.

 

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