Russ Reichel. (Wadena County Jail)
Wadena, MN – A man from rural Staples was arrested for burglary last week after fleeing Wadena County deputies.
Wadena County Sergeant Bryan Savaloja Thursday, August 7th, the Sheriff’s Office was made aware of a trespassing incident in Thomastown Township. When law enforcement arrived an ATV with a male operator, later identified as 55-year-old Russ Reichel, fled the scene and into a nearby wooded area.
Sgt Savaloja say that for four hours, law enforcement used ATV’s, drones, and a K9 to keep a perimeter around the Reichel, before a drone located him in a cornfield. Reichel repeatedly ignored commands to surrender until the Todd County Sheriff’s Office K9 Ranger apprehended him. Reichel was taken into custody without further incident, and was transferred to Lakewood Health Systems to be treated for injuries sustained while he fled.
Sgt. Savaloja says later that day, about $28,000 worth of stolen property from various burglaries in Wadena and Todd counties was recovered from a search warrant at Reichel’s residence.
On Friday, Reichel was charged with Receiving Stolen Property, 3rd Degree Burglary, and Fleeing a Peace Officer in a Motor Vehicle.
The case remains under investigation by the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office asks property owners to check their properties, especially those in Thomastown Township, for any signs of theft or suspicious activity.
The Wadena County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by: Todd County Sheriff’s Office (with a special thank you to K9 Ranger and his handler), the Staples Police Department, MN DNR Enforcement, Lakes Area SWAT, and Premier Towing of Wadena.
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