On or about April 21, 2026, at approximately 7:24 A.M., West Hennepin Public Safety officers received a call regarding a KOPS alert for a stolen Audi. Wright County dispatch informed West Hennepin Public Safety officers that an automated license plate reader hit on a beige Audi with Minnesota license plate [PLATE REDACTED]. (“the Audi” herein). The Audi was previously reported as being stolen at gunpoint. The KOPS alert included information that JACOB BENJAMIN MCBRIDE (“Defendant” herein) was a suspect in the armed robbery of the Audi.
At approximately 7:37 A.M., officers located the Audi parked at a Holiday gas station on Baker Road in Medina, Hennepin Couty, Minnesota. Officers arrived at the Holiday gas station and confirmed that the Audi parked there was the stolen Audi. Officers saw a white male wearing a red track suit walk out of the Holiday gas station and get into the driver’s seat of the Audi. The male was heavier set with black hair and light facial hair. Officers confirmed there was only one occupant in the Audi. The male was later identified as Defendant.
As the Audi backed out of a parking spot, officers activated their emergency lights and pulled up behind the Audi. Officers drew their service weapons and pointed them at Defendant. Officers ordered Defendant to stop and put his hands up. Defendant ignored officers’ commands and fled from the parking lot in the Audi. Multiple squads pursued. The Audi turned south onto Howard Avenue then westbound onto Highway 12. The Audi reached speeds of approximately 80-100 MPH throughout the pursuit. The Audi almost hit several vehicles that were attempting to yield.
The Audi went into the oncoming lane of traffic, hitting the road delineator. After approximately 6.8 miles, officers terminated pursuit due to public safety concerns. Officers reviewed surveillance video from the Holiday gas station. The surveillance video shows Defendant inside of the Holiday gas station. The surveillance video also shows the Audi fleeing from the parking lot while officers’ squad lights are activated. Officers confirmed that the person seen on the surveillance video is Defendant, and Defendant is the person they saw driving the Audi during the flee.
In running routine checks, officers learned that Defendant’s driver’s license status was revoked at the time of the flee. The State requests the Complaint issue as a warrant for the following reasons: Defendant poses a threat to public safety. Given the information provided in the KOPS alert, there is reason to believe Defendant possesses a firearm that was used in the commission of a robbery. Additionally, Defendant’s whereabouts are currently unknown.
