Man, 25, Charged With Allegedly Pinning US Marshal With SUV

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A 25-year-old Minneapolis man faces charges accusing him of striking and pinning a US Marshal with an SUV last week, according to the Hennepin County Attorney's Office.

James Douglas Mitchell faces first-degree assault on a peace officer and fleeing a police officer, both felonies, in connection to the Oct. 6 incident.

According to the criminal complaint, officers from various departments responded to the general location of 20th Avenue South and 1st Street South in Minneapolis on the report of Mitchell being present. Officers were attempting to execute multiple warrants for his arrest – and he was also wanted in connection to four new criminal cases.

At the location, Mitchell was observed sitting in the driver's seat of a stolen Cadillac SUV along with two female passengers. While officers were arriving, Mitchell started the vehicle and drove two blocks west, parking on 2nd Street.

When officers approached and asked Mitchell and the other passengers to raise their hands, he responded by reversing his vehicle and striking the US Marshal, the complaint said. Mitchell then fled by driving away through some bushes and into a parking garage.

The US Marshal reported that while he was pinned, he could hear the engine continue to rev and that he feared he'd be crushed to death. He was, however, wearing a protective vest with a plate that prevented his chest from being crushed, authorities said. He was taken to the hospital where a preliminary check revealed bruising.

Mitchell was arrested the following day by US Marshals after another vehicular pursuit.

Mitchell's active warrants are for first-degree burglary and third-degree assault. He's also wanted in connection to three new criminal cases, which include criminal vehicular operation, fleeing police in a motor vehicle and burglary. He's also wanted in Ramsey County on suspicion of motor vehicle theft.

He made his first appearance in court Wednesday. If convicted, Mitchell could face up to 20 years in prison on the first-degree assault charge and up to 3 years and a day on the fleeing police charge.