UPDATE: Lakeville Police Apprehend Felony Warrant Suspect Following Extensive Multi-Agency Search

LAKEVILLE, MINNESOTA - A 24-year-old man with multiple felony warrants was apprehended Thursday evening after an hours-long search that prompted a shelter-in-place order in a residential area of Lakeville. The incident began around 1:15 p.m. on May 15, 2025, and ended with the suspect’s arrest around 5:00 p.m. following a tip from an alert resident.

According to a media release from the Lakeville Police Department, officers responded to Ardmor Village, located in the 20900 block of Cedar Avenue, after receiving a tip that a known male suspect with active felony warrants was in the area. The man, identified as Erik Arreola Morales, was familiar to officers due to recent contacts and a prior history of fleeing law enforcement in a vehicle.

As officers arrived, Morales fled in a vehicle that was later confirmed stolen. During the pursuit, the suspect’s vehicle made contact with squad cars as it exited Ardmor Village. He eventually abandoned the vehicle on the far northwest corner of the field west of Cedar Avenue and south of 190th Street, fleeing on foot into the surrounding area.

Silver marker is where the vehicle was abandoned.

A perimeter was established quickly with the assistance of multiple neighboring agencies, including Farmington Police, Apple Valley Police, Inver Grove Heights Police, Bloomington Police, the Minnesota State Patrol, and Minnesota State Patrol Air Support. Several K9 teams, drones, and a State Patrol helicopter were deployed in an effort to locate the suspect. However, inclement weather working into the region from the south-southwest grounded air support temporarily due to the unsafe conditions. Ground crews continued to look for the suspect and held their perimeter as the storms worked through the region.

At 1:58 p.m., the Lakeville Police Department coordinated with Dakota 911 to issue a shelter-in-place alert for residents of 190th Street and Highview Avenue. Authorities urged the public to stay inside and report any suspicious activity.

According to a public message from Lakeville Police:

“Lakeville PD is in the area southeast of 190th Street and Highview Avenue searching for a suspect who fled on foot from a stolen vehicle. Please avoid the area if possible. If you reside in this area, please remain inside your home and call 911 to report anything suspicious. If you are a homeowner or business in an area of interest, we will be in contact directly for any specific direction. The suspect is an adult male last seen wearing all white clothing with a black hat.”

After an extensive search of wooded areas and buildings, police cleared the perimeter shortly before 4:00 p.m., with the suspect still at large. The shelter-in-place order was officially lifted shortly afterward. However, at approximately 5:00 p.m., a resident in the 19200 block of Harappa Avenue called 911 to report a man matching the suspect's description hiding on their porch.

Officers responded immediately and took the man into custody without incident. He was confirmed to be Erik Arreola Morales and transported to the Dakota County Jail, where he is being held on several new charges stemming from the day’s events and the outstanding warrants for his arrest.

The Lakeville Police Department acknowledged that the shelter-in-place cancellation alert may have inadvertently reached a broader audience than intended and is working with Dakota 911 to troubleshoot the issue.

“We thank the public for their cooperation, understanding, and assistance throughout the incident,” the department said. “We also extend our gratitude to the multiple law enforcement agencies that supported today’s search and response efforts.”

Provided by Dakota County Jail.



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