State Patrol Aircraft Joins Search for Escaped Inmate in St. Louis County

Sep 24

Authorities say an inmate escaped custody from the Northeast Regional Corrections Center in Saginaw Tuesday evening.

Multiple law enforcement agencies are continuing to search the area as of early Wednesday night.

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Officials said 40-year-old Michael Todd Hart left the facility on Sept. 23, 2025. Hart is described as a white male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, 169 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a yellow sweatshirt, grey T-shirt and blue pants.

According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, Hart was last observed in the area of Beaver Lake Road near County Highway 8 after leaving the center on foot. Deputies believe he is moving north toward Independence. The search involves deputies and officers from multiple agencies, as well as canines and assistance from the Minnesota State Patrol aviation unit.

By 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, efforts to locate Hart were still underway in the Industrial Township and Saginaw areas. The Sheriff’s Office asked the public to call 911 immediately if they see him.

Authorities said updates will be posted to the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page as the search continues.

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