EXCLUSIVE: Dash Cam Shows Wild Pursuit, Crash of Stolen Squad Car
Exclusive video released to MN CRIME shows the stolen squad car dash camera video from a wild pursuit and eventual crash last August in St. Louis County.
Joshua Harjamaki, 21, stole the sheriff’s office patrol squad car from out front of the county courthouse in Virginia about 10:20 p.m. August 2nd, 2021. The squad car, which was thought to have been locked, was left running (and unlocked) outside of the courthouse with a shotgun still inside.
A Virginia police officer spotted Harjamaki driving the stolen squad near Southern Dr. and attempted to stop him. Harjamaki then took off at a high speed, leading officers on a pursuit through the city. He allegedly brandished the department-issued shotgun out of the window before he tossed or dropped it to the ground. Assisting officers were able to retrieve the gun during the pursuit, authorities said.
Harjamaki continued north on Hwy. 53, then onto Hwy. 169 toward Tower, Minn.
Officers eventually ended the pursuit with a PIT (pursuit intervention technique) maneuver and disabled the vehicle on Hwy. 169 in Pike Township, sending it into the ditch and a patch of trees. There were no reported injuries as a result of the pursuit, but the stolen squad car sustained heavy damage during the pursuit.
Harjamaki, of Hibbing, was charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors in the incident and pleaded guilty to motor vehicle theft and DWI. He was convicted of those charges, but three others were dismissed, including fleeing police in a motor vehicle. For the incident, Harjamaki was sentenced to six months in jail, three years of probation, must complete a mental health and substance abuse program, and pay about $30,000 in restitution.
PREVIOUSLY: Hibbing Man Steals Squad Car, Brandishes Police Shotgun During Pursuit