Lake Hallie (Press Release) - On Sunday, November 4, 2012 at about 1:19 a.m., Officer Rathke of the Lake Hallie Police Department was on patrol when he observed a driver commit a traffic violation.
A purple Ford Windstar was observed failing to stop for the red light at the intersection of County Highway OO and Commercial Blvd. The driver explained that the van was low on gas and he was in a "hurry" to get to the gas station.
While still conducting the traffic stop the officer was contacted by Wal-Mart who reported they just had a theft of a 55 inch Sony television. It was reported that two males carried the TV, exiting through the grocery entrance, and failed to make any attempt to pay for it. After getting outside, the males put the TV in a purple Ford Windstar van, got into the van and the van sped off very quickly. The officer subsequently discovered the stolen TV and numerous other objects in the back of the van. The TV was valued at $1,498.
Despite the suspects claims of either innocence or no knowledge of the TV, Wal-Mart employees and video identified the suspects. As a result three suspects were arrested and transported to the Chippewa County Jail.
Additional stolen items from other jurisdictions were also discovered in the vehicle. It was also learned on Thursday November 8, 2012 that the van was reported stolen in Minnesota. It is unknown why that information was not originally entered by the agencies in Minnesota.
Arrested was Jestin E. Ledlum, 27, of Hopkins, MN, for Felony Theft and Resisting or Obstructing an Officer, Prosper Doe, 17, of Hopkins, MN, Felony Theft and Resisting or Obstructing an Officer, and Travis J. Meredith, 19, of Plymouth, Felony Theft and Resisting or Obstructing an Officer, Operating after Revocation, and a Vehicle Registration violation. Any additional charges related to the stolen vehicle are still under investigation.
