Vincent Vameng Cha

On or about May 21, 2026, Minneapolis police observed a black Ford Explorer, specifically an old police car, traveling east on Lowry from Logan with no license plate on it in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota. The driver appeared to be a white/asian male with a hat on and sunglasses on. Based on officers training, knowledge, and experience, these types of cars are commonly stolen. Police tried to catch up to the car, and were able to get behind it going northbound on 6th Street from 33rd Avenue North.

Police activated lights and sirens, but the car fled at a high rate of speed and police did not pursue it. Police saw the car again going north on Fremont Avenue from 34th Avenue North. It then went west on Dowling Avenue, and lost sight of it. A short time later, police saw the suspect running east on 39th Avenue North between Fremont and Girard. He then ran into the building at the northwest corner of 39th and Fremont. Police went inside and took him into custody. He was identified as VINCENT VAMENG CHA [DOB REDACTED]. The car was recovered behind the building he ran into.

Cha had a felony warrant for auto theft out of Chisago County. During a search incident to arrest Officers located over a dozen various vehicle keys, a black vehicle ignition module (commonly used by individuals to start a vehicle after they have stripped/peeled the ignition), a window punch (used to break vehicle windows), screw drivers and picks (used to peel/strip vehicle ignitions) along with more disposable gloves and work gloves in a black shoulder bag that Cha was carrying. These are valuable tools of the trade for an individual involved in burglary and auto thefts and commonly used to steal items and vehicles.

He was also wearing latex gloves, which people commonly used to not get DNA or latent prints on the car. In a post-Mirand statement, Cha admitted he was driving. He said he knew we were the police and admitted to fleeing. He said he got the car this morning and knew it was stolen. He stated that he starts the car with a flathead screwdriver. The vehicle was confirmed stolen on May 20, 2026, and on camera. The license plates for the stolen car were in the vehicle. Defendant is currently in custody for this offense.