Minneapolis man charged with assault after ramming into squad cars

A Minneapolis man has been charged after authorities say he rammed a truck into several squad cars.

Andres Antonio Castillo, 26, is charged with second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, illegal possession of a firearm, receiving stolen property and fleeing police.

According to a criminal complaint, St. Louis Park police were called to Kohl’s on Highway 7 on March 13 for a report of shoplifting. While responding, they learned the shoplifters were associated with a white GMC Sierra Denali that had a North Dakota license plate. Officers then learned that GMC was reported stolen, and also had a firearm that was stolen with the vehicle.

When police arrived, they saw the white GMC in the parking lot with two people inside and decided to box it in to not only lower the danger to the public but to also try to prevent it from fleeing, the complaint states.

After officers boxed it in, and as the officer parked behind the GMC got out of his squad, the GMC reversed and hit the officer’s squad before driving forward into multiple other squads and then driving away.

The complaint states the GMC ultimately crashed on Highway 169 near Londonberry Road. The driver, identified as Castillo, ran but was found hiding in a dumpster and was arrested. Officers also reported finding a gun with its serial number removed in the GMC.

Castillo wasn’t allowed to have a gun due to a prior conviction.

His first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.