A fourteen (14) year old male in the Cedar Lake area of southern Polk County has been taken into custody.
A series of incidents began in Eau Claire County in the afternoon of Monday, August 3rd, 2015 where Cole Laird had his first contact with police. Later in the afternoon, Laird operating a stolen vehicle, and brandishing a handgun, attempted an armed burglary at a rural residence in the Woodville area of St. Croix County, WI. Laird fled the residence prior to officers arriving and the vehicle was observed in New Richmond, WI a short time later. Laird failed to stop for law enforcement and a high speed chase ensued. Laird abandoned the stolen vehicle near Star Prairie, WI and fled on foot.
After several miles on foot, Laird stole another vehicle only to abandon that vehicle a short time later and again fled on foot. Reports of a gunshot in the area were heard as officers attempted to locate Laird.
As darkness set in authorities believed Laird was in the general area of the east side of Cedar Lake, a lake that is separated by the Polk/St. Croix County line.
Law Enforcement officers from several surrounding counties responded to the area and assisted Polk and St. Croix Counties. The Polk and St. Croix County Sheriff’s offices are confirming that Cole Laird is in custody in Anoka County, MN.
