Amanda Knutson (Otter Tail County Jail)
Fergus Falls, MN – 41-year-old Amanda Knutson of Fergus Falls was arrested early Thursday morning (May 16th) for allegedly taking a 2015 Ford Edge and driving it without the owner’s permission.
The owner had reported the vehicle stolen Tuesday night to the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Department, telling officials that Knutson had taken the keys from the owner’s granddaughter on Sunday night, and that she had never been given permission to drive the vehicle.
She also told officials that she had been asking Knutson to return the vehicle for two days before reporting, and Knutson had refused.
According to court documents, a Deputy reached out to Knutson, asking her to return the vehicle, to which Knutson refused.
When informed that if she didn’t return the vehicle, she would be charged for motor vehicle theft, Knutson responded, “Listen lady, chill the f*** out. I got s*** to do. I will not cater to your threats. I already have a lawyer. I told you to leave me alone so please.”
The conversation continued, and the Deputy eventually asked where the vehicle was, to which Knutson replied, “Up your a**,” and the conversation ended.
Officials went to Knutson’s residence and were unable to locate the vehicle, however they received a tip that the vehicle was spotted at the Jewel Motel on the edge of town.
Deputies located the Edge at the motel, with the engine still warm, and had it towed.
They approached the door where Knutson had been seen entering, but they were unsuccessful in receiving a response.
Contact wouldn’t be made again until just after midnight on Thursday, when Knutson was stopped by the Fergus Falls Police Department for failing to signal a turn.
She was arrested and transported to the Otter Tail County Detention Facility for Motor Vehicle Theft and Tampering of Entering a Motor Vehicle without Owner Permission.
Knutson was also cited for Driving after revocation of her license and misusing 911, and will be making her first court appearance today (May 17th).