Dacotah Lee Coggins

On February 14, 2026, Minnesota State Trooper J. Thompson was on patrol on Interstate 94 in Moorhead, Clay County, Minnesota, when he heard radio traffic regarding a stolen vehicle fleeing from police from Fargo, North Dakota. The vehicle in question was a spray-painted work van with ladders on its roof. The driver of the suspect vehicle was identified as DACOTAH LEE COGGINS, [DOB REDACTED], hereinafter "Defendant". Fargo Police Officer Wilmar identified Defendant from prior contacts. That identification was confirmed by FPD Officer Fugleberg by comparing surveillance camera footage to Defendant's prior booking photographs.

Trooper Thompson observed the suspect vehicle traveling eastbound into Clay County, Minnesota. Trooper Thompson turned his squad vehicle around to pursue the van, whereupon Defendant accelerated and exited the interstate onto US Highway 75. Trooper Thompson activated his squad vehicle's emergency lights and siren and continued to follow the van. As he pursued the van, Thompson observed the van drive over the righthand curb several times to evade traffic. Trooper Thompson caught up to the van and attempted to stop the vehicle using a PIT maneuver.

Trooper Thompson's squad vehicle made contact with the van, but Defendant was able to recover from the maneuver and continued to flee. While traveling at a high rate of speed, Defendant disregarded two stop signs, forcing other civilian vehicles to take evasive action to avoid a collision. Due to the risk to public safety, Trooper Thompson terminated the pursuit. Trooper Thompson continued to follow the van at a normal rate of speed until he lost sight of the vehicle. As Trooper Thompson searched the area where the van was last seen, a bystander waved him down and directed him to the stolen van.

The van was abandoned in front of 913 18 1/2 Street South in Moorhead. Bystanders stated to Trooper Thompson that they observed a male individual exit van and ran north into one of the several apartment buildings in the area. The bystander's description matched the physical identifying characteristics of Defendant. The van driven by Defendant was confirmed to be stolen out of Fargo. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 609.49., intentional failure to appear for duly scheduled court appearances may result in additional criminal charges, and in addition to any arrest warrant that may otherwise be issued by the Court.