Two people arrested after pursuit that closed sections of I-94 in the noon hour in Douglas County, MN

DOUGLAS CO., Minn. (KVRR) — Douglas County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a stolen vehicle at the Burgen rest stop along I-94 just after noon and responded to the scene.

The driver, 41-year-old Nicholas Sleen of Tower, Minnesota, refused to stop and fled westbound on the interstate.

Sleen was able to avoid stop sticks placed on the road.

A PIT maneuver was then used which caused the vehicle to spin out.

Sleen put it in reverse to try and get away but he got pinned to a guard rail.

Sleen and his passenger, 20-year-old Allison Jacobs of Eveleth, Minnesota, refused commands to exit the vehicle and Sleen started putting on more clothing.

Deputies say it’s a common tactic to defeat less lethal tools used by law enforcement.

Due to their behavior,  Douglas County Sheriff’s Office armored vehicle responded to the scene to provide deputies with cover.

Pepperball munitions were shot into the vehicle and the suspects exited and were arrested.

Sleen and Jacobs were provided medical attention and transported to the Douglas County Jail to be held on numerous charges including fleeing in a motor vehicle, 5th degree possession of a controlled substance, possession stolen property, and prohibited persons in possession of firearms or ammunition.

During the incident I-94 was shut down at the Evansville exit.