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Man Attempts To Flee Police By Driving Into Cornfield In Meeker Co.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A 35-year-old man was arrested Thursday after fleeing police in Meeker County.

Brian Berwald, of Hutchinson, faces charges of driving after cancellation of license and fleeing a peace officer.

According to the Meeker County Sheriff's Office, early Thursday evening deputies with the drug and gang task force were conducting surveillance for Amanda Rhode in the 100 block of Park Village in Litchfield.

Rhode, 29, had an outstanding warrant for controlled substance. Police had reason to believe she was hiding out in a home along Park Village.

Shortly after 6 p.m. officers saw a car leave the home they were watching.

They followed the car and attempted a routine traffic stop, but the driver, later identified as Berwald, fled.

According to the sheriff's office, Berwald attempted to avert officers by driving into a cornfield located just west of the County State-Aid Highway 1 and County State-Aid Highway 23 intersection.

Police caught up to Berwald in the cornfield and apprehended him.

According to the Meeker County Sheriff's Office, police returned to the home on Park Village and located Rhode. She was arrested on her outstanding warrant.

Officers said police searched the home and found methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Police then also arrested the resident of the home, 50-year-old Patrick Lanigan, for possession of meth.

Berwald, Lanigan and Rhode are currently in the Meeker County Jail awaiting formal charges.

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