Updates by Chris Larson and Ken Duffy
ST PAUL, MINN – The search for the person who is suspected to have killed Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, along with injuring Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, is over.
“After a two-day manhunt, two sleepless nights, law enforcement have apprehended Vance Bolter,” Governor Tim Walz said in a Sunday night press conference.
Boelter was captured by authorities late Sunday night in Sibley County, Minn., after a nearly two-day manhunt. Hundreds of law enforcement officers worked to find Boelter. He was found near his home in Green Isle, Minn. Authorities say he was seen in the area – bringing a myriad of SWAT teams to the area, and subsequently, the arrest happened.
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Superintendent Drew Evans says officers were searching in the 35600 block of 200th Street in Green Isle after information was provided that Boelter had been seen in the area.
“When that information was provided to the investigators that were conducting the ground search, they converged on the area with a number of SWAT teams with the assistance of the air wing from Minnesota State Patrol,” he said.
Minnesota Commissioner of Public Safety, Bob Jacobson, credited the work between law enforcement partners.
“The coordination between state, local, and federal law enforcement partners is the reason we are here tonight and the suspect is in custody,” he said. “We want to thank community members across the state for their support, for their tips, and their information. And I want to thank Governor Walz for his continued support through this very difficult time.”
Boelter impersonated a law enforcement officer, wearing a vest, long sleeved shirt and badge.
“Bolter exploited the trust our uniforms are meant to represent,” Jacobson said. “That betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honor and responsibility.”
The apprehension came 43 hours after the crimes were committed, Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said.
“There’s no question that this is the largest manhunt in the state’s history,” he said.
Minnesota State Patrol Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Geiger said special response teams were on the scene.
“Several partner law enforcement SWAT teams positioned to form a perimeter at that point in time,” he said. The suspect crawled to law enforcement teams and was placed under arrest at that point in time.
No use-of-force was needed.
The Hoffmans are recovering, Walz said.
