9 Hospitalized Following Tuesday Morning Police Chase
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Four police officers, three EMTs and two suspects were hospitalized after being exposed to an apparent chemical following a police chase Tuesday morning.
The chase began after 8:15 a.m., according to the Blaine Police Department. Officers attempted to make a traffic stop on a vehicle with two men inside. Authorities described the vehicle as "suspicious."
A pursuit ensued, according to authorities, and a PIT maneuver was executed in Lino Lakes in the vicinity of County Road 23 and Town Center Parkway.
Police say as the officers were taking two male occupants into custody, they began having respiratory issues from something inside the vehicle.
Police say the North Metro Chemical Assessment Team responded and determined that the source of the chemical appears to be a combination of a leaking propane tank and a number of used spray paint cans that were in the vehicle. The combination of chemicals often can create symptoms similar to what the officers were reporting: difficulty breathing, dizziness and weakness.
In addition to the four police officers, three EMTs and two suspects were taken to the hospital and later released.
Police say a loaded firearm was also located in the vehicle.
The passenger of the suspect vehicle was interviewed and released.
