A search for a DeKalb, Illinois man who was wanted for burglary led to a brief stand-off with law enforcement on the Gunflint Trail on Saturday, July 25.
Cook County Law Enforcement was contacted at 12:20 p.m. on July 20, asking for assistance in apprehending Christopher C. Mentenick, 20, of DeKalb, Illinois. A relative of the man had contacted the DeKalb police department informing them that Mentenick was in Grand Marais, driving a 2003 silver Jaguar.
Chief Deputy Leif Lunde said Cook County made a special effort to locate Mentenick because it was believed that he was armed and dangerous. Sheriff deputies headed toward the US-Canadian border, thinking that he may be attempting to leave the United States.
At 1:39 p.m., staff at Way of the Wilderness canoe outfitters at the end of the Gunflint Trail contacted the Sheriff ‘s Officeto report that a male had tried to get a boat ride across Saganaga Lake into Canada. Staff members felt something was suspicious about the man. From their description of the man and the vehicle he was driving, sheriff deputies were sure that he was the suspect and they drove up the Gunflint Trail to find him.
At 2:28 pm., deputies located the suspect’s vehicle driving south on the Gunflint Trail. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Conservation Officers and Sheriff ‘s Deputies stopped the vehicle at 10182 Gunflint Trail, between Loon Lake and Gunflint Lake.
Mentenick produced a handgun, threatened to commit suicide, and refused to comply with directions. After a tense standoff, at approximately 3:10 p.m., Mentenick surrendered, exited the vehicle, and was arrested on the felony warrant.
No one was injured during this incident.
Mentenick was booked into the Cook County Jail and then taken to Two Harbors for a court appearance, where he awaits extradition to Illinois.
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