Suspect eludes South St. Paul police in overnight chase, loaded handgun found in vehicle

South St. Paul police say a traffic stop ended with the confiscation of a loaded handgun early Monday morning.

According to police, officers tried to pull over a person who had a warrant out for his arrest around 1 a.m. near Robert Street and Mendota Road.

However, the driver continued on, and headed east on Mendota Road before going north on Highway 52. Eventually, the driver exited onto Concord Street, and police say they ended the chase.

The vehicle was found on the 800 block of Dodd Road; however, no one was inside of it.

Police say a loaded handgun was found inside of the vehicle, however, the suspect got away despite a search involving a K9, the State Patrol helicopter and a drone from the Eagan Police department.

According to officers, the suspect’s criminal history involves weapons violations.