Shakopee Man Pleads Guilty to Gross Misdemeanor in Police Pursuit Case
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA – A Shakopee man, Kawaun Jay Tremaine Howard, 32, pled guilty to gross misdemeanor fleeing a peace officer following a police pursuit in Dakota County earlier this year. Initially charged with felony fleeing in a motor vehicle, Howard accepted a plea agreement that resulted in a reduced charge due to the court’s determination that the offense was less serious than similar cases.
The incident unfolded on May 11, 2024, when a deputy with the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office attempted to pull over Howard’s vehicle for a traffic violation near Ravenna Trail and Blackbird Trail in Ravenna Township. Instead of stopping, Howard accelerated, initiating a high-speed chase that involved several officers, including assistance from the Hastings Police Department. The pursuit ended when law enforcement deployed stop sticks, which disabled the vehicle. After attempting to escape on foot, Howard was apprehended nearby and taken into custody.
Court records indicate that Howard had active warrants at the time, including a Minnesota Department of Corrections warrant and a felony warrant from Kansas for fleeing law enforcement. According to court records from Kiowa County, Kansas, Howard reportedly failed to appear concerning multiple violations related to a police pursuit and additional traffic violations.
Under the terms of his Minnesota plea agreement, Howard’s sentence included 170 days in the Dakota County Jail, which he has already served in full, receiving credit for time spent in custody. This sentence reflects a downward departure from the felony charge initially filed, acknowledging the court’s view that the circumstances surrounding Howard’s offense were less severe than other instances of similar charges.
Howard’s legal issues continue, as he is currently being held at Dakota County Jail for transport back to Kansas for his active warrant there in regards to the previously mentioned incident.
Provided by the Dakota County Jail.
Written by: Will Wight
Cover Photo by Scott Rodgerson on Unsplash
