UPDATE: 4/21/21 11:01 a.m.
On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, the Pine to Prairie Drug Task Force learned of a suspected drug dealer coming from Grand Forks, North Dakota to Crookston. The suspect was suspected of acquiring methamphetamine to be distributed in Crookston. Officers identified the suspect as Eric Baldwin (age 35) and what vehicle he was driving. Crookston Police Officers and Polk County Deputies planned to conduct a traffic stop on Baldwin in order to arrest him.
On the outskirts of Crookston, officers initiated a traffic stop with multiple vehicles, but Baldwin maneuvered around the vehicles and fled towards Crookston. Officers backed off, due to traffic, and lost sight of Baldwin. Officers then located him on foot and attempted to arrest him again, but he fled on foot. K9 Officer Buffy arrived on scene and Baldwin surrendered without incident.
The investigation is ongoing and formal charges will be filed at a later date. The Pine to Prairie Drug Task Force is a Violent Crime Enforcement Team in Northwest Minnesota that investigates all violent crime, including drug trafficking.
No further comments will be made in regards to this investigation as it is ongoing.
The Crookston Police officers and Polk County Sheriff’s deputies were involved in a chase through Crookston, including downtown Crookston on Tuesday afternoon. After a lengthy chase, they apprehended the suspect.
As soon as we get more information on the chase from the authorities, we will pass it along. So keep checking back.
Video and pictures from the chase are below –
