Suspect Arrested After Dramatic Standoff on I-35 Near Faribault

In a tense and unfolding situation, authorities in Minnesota have apprehended a suspect following an hours-long standoff on Interstate 35 near the city of Faribault. The incident, which caused a major disruption to traffic, was the result of a narcotics investigation led by the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office and the Southeast Minnesota Violent Crime Enforcement Team.

Unraveling a High-Stakes Pursuit and Standoff

Tracking a Suspect's Return to Minnesota

Investigators were aware that 41-year-old Donald Ray Sanderson of Minneapolis was returning to the state from California. As Sanderson traveled northbound on I-35 in Steele County, law enforcement initiated a traffic stop, deploying stop sticks to disable his vehicle. Sanderson initially pulled over, and a 24-year-old woman exited the car before he continued driving.

A Tense Confrontation on the Highway

The woman informed authorities that Sanderson had a gun with him in the car. Sanderson was eventually forced to stop his vehicle on the south edge of Faribault due to the damage caused by the stop sticks. He then exited the car, holding a firearm. When an officer ordered him to drop the weapon, Sanderson fired a shot into the ground, leading to the decision to shut down the freeway.

A Standoff Unfolds, Ending in Arrest

The standoff continued for several hours, with Sanderson allegedly attempting to shoot down a drone and then trying to shoot himself, but losing his firearm in the process. A K-9 unit from the Apple Valley police was deployed, and the dog was able to subdue Sanderson in an adjacent farm field, allowing for his arrest.

Uncovering a Significant Drug Trafficking Operation

Following Sanderson's arrest, investigators executed a search warrant on his vehicle and made a startling discovery. They found 17 packages containing a total of 44 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 200 counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl, and 50 pills of a psychotropic prescription medication. Additionally, they seized various items associated with drug sales and multiple cell phones.

Charges and Criminal History

Sanderson has been charged with two counts of first-degree drug sales, two counts of first-degree drug possession, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. His criminal history includes a 2021 conviction in Waseca County for felony terroristic threats, which resulted in a 21-month prison sentence.The dramatic events on I-35 near Faribault have highlighted the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the scourge of drug trafficking and the dangers it poses to the community. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vigilance required to maintain public safety and the lengths to which some individuals will go to evade justice.