Police: Burglar On Kayak Tries To Flee Officers In Austin

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Police were involved in an unusual pursuit in Austin after a burglary suspect tried to flee down the Cedar River in a kayak Sunday afternoon.

Police say the incident happened at around 5 p.m. at the Old Mill Restaurant, which hadn't opened yet. An employee heard someone in the building and saw two men leaving out the back door.

Some items stolen from a cleaning supply closet were also found dropped on the way outside.

When police arrived, they encountered the two men in the river in kayaks. One of the men came to talk with police and denied involvement. The other man took off in his kayak.

Police then used the fire department's boat and followed him down the river, eventually arresting him. He was later identified as 31-year-old Michael Falk. More stolen items were found inside the kayak.

Police said the other man's story seems to be true, and that Falk tried to blame the other man.
Both kayaks were seized.