On December 26, 2025, at 8:41PM, a Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was on patrol in the city of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota when a gray 2006 Ford Explorer (MN TBC004) was seen parked at Minneapolis Market near Franklin Avenue and Chicago Avenue. The Explorer did not have a front license plate. As the deputy passed the vehicle, two occupants were seen inside with their seats leaned back. The Explorer then began moving eastbound on Franklin Avenue, so the deputy made a U-turn and attempted to get behind it.
The Explorer turned to head southbound on Elliot Avenue and the deputy observed that it did not come to a complete stop at the stop sign near Elliot Avenue and 21st Street East. A traffic stop was initiated and the deputy made contact with the driver, who was identified as Malachi James Anderson ([DOB REDACTED], “DEFENDANT” hereinafter). The passenger was identified as BTC [DOB REDACTED]. While speaking with DEFENDANT, the deputy smelled the odor of fresh/unburnt marijuana coming from the vehicle.
The deputy challenged him on the odor and noted DEFENDANT became extremely nervous and began looking around the vehicle. DEFENDANT then reached into the center console area and pulled out a bag of improperly packaged marijuana in a clear bag. Due to the odor of fresh/unburnt marijuana coming from the vehicle and the visual of improperly packaged/improperly transported marijuana, the deputy had DEFENDANT turn off the vehicle as a probable cause vehicle search would be conducted. DEFENDANT was ordered from the vehicle and placed in handcuffs when another deputy observed suspected narcotics hanging out of DEFENDANT’s pants.
Deputies noted the narcotics were consistent with purple fentanyl and cocaine. The suspected narcotics field-tested positive for powder fentanyl with a total weight of approximately 20.84 grams. During the search of the vehicle, deputies recovered additional suspected marijuana in a clear bag from the center console of the vehicle. A loaded Glock 19 Gen 5 9mm (#CCZV888) firearm with an extended magazine was found underneath the front passenger seat. Neither DEFENDANT nor BTC were found to have a permit to carry a firearm.
DEFENDANT provided a post Miranda statement and admitted the substance on his person belonged to him, but he claimed it was sugar and purple dye. BTC gave a post Miranda statement and told officers the pistol under her seat belonged to DEFENDANT, and that he had placed it under her seat while they were being pulled over. DEFENDANT’s whereabouts are unknown, and his conduct presents a threat to public safety. As such, the State requests a warrant for his arrest.
