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.

UPDATE | Thursday, Sept. 25

Authorities said throughout Wednesday, dispatch multiple calls reporting Hart had been seen near Highway 8 and Highway 53. In response, extensive resources were deployed, including four K9 tracking teams, a state patrol fixed-wing aircraft, drones and several assisting agencies. Hart was not located, in part due to delays between the reported sightings and the time officers were able to deploy, a St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said, combined with heavily wooded and swampy terrain.

As of Thursday morning, the search has shifted from an active search to an “ongoing investigation.” Authorities believe Hart may attempt to return to the Iron Range, where he has ties to friends, family and associates. The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation to locate and arrest him is ongoing and will continue with the help of other agencies.

During the investigation, two accomplices were identified and detained. One of them, Devone Shackelton, has been charged with aiding an offender and booked into jail.

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