Beltrami Officers Searching For High-Speed Chase Suspect

BELTRAMI COUNTY, Minn. (WCCO) -- Beltrami authorities are searching for a man they believe led police on a high-speed chase Wednesday afternoon near Bemidji, Minn.

According to the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office, Edwin Lee Johnson, 41, of Bemidji, was reportedly seen driving extremely recklessly on Bemidji Avenue North at 1 p.m. Wednesday, just north of Bemidji. He was driving a stolen white 1999 Oldsmobile Alero with Minnesota license plates, authorities said.

Authorities said after attempting to stop Johnson, he sped up and led officers on high-speed chase topping out at nearly 100 mph. Officers and the Red Lake Tribal Police mutually agreed to terminate the pursuit once Johnson was on the Red Lake Reservation, about 55 miles north of Bemidji, because his driving grew increasingly dangerous.

The abandoned vehicle was recovered, but Johnson is still on the loose.

Johnson is described as a Native American male, with closely shaven hair. He's five feet, seven inches tall, and 200 pounds. He was wearing a dark colored T-shirt.

If you have any information, contact the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office at 218-333-9111.