Chigozie Ihesinachi Ukaga

On February 13, 2026, an officer with the Mendota Heights Police Department was on routine in the city of Mendota Heights, which is within Dakota County when he observed a 2007 Toyota Corolla bearing license plate FDS744 perform a U-turn from Highway 62 onto Highway 13 while the traffic light for that direction of travel was solid red. The officer could see the driver as he conducted this U-turn and confirmed his identity as Cigozie Ihesinachi Ukaga [DOB REDACTED], hereinafter Defendant. The officer subsequently attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the vehicle by going behind the vehicle and activating his squad car’s emergency lights.

Furthermore, the officer could see Defendant’s eyes and saw Defendant look in his rearview mirror back at him. The officer motioned with his hand for Defendant to go to right, but instead Defendant sped up to highway speed. The officer followed Defendant’s vehicle for some time, changing siren tones, however Defendant showed no signs of stopping. The officer was advised to terminate his pursuit and did so. Defendant was located shortly thereafter by the Minnesota State Patrol. State Troopers were able to stop Defendant’s vehicle using stop sticks and a P. I. T. Maneuver.

Defendant was arrested at the scene.