Search For Ty Hoffman At Airport Turns Up Empty

ANOKA, Minn. (WCCO) -- The man wanted for killing his former boyfriend at an Arden Hills gas station, and a bank robbery, evaded authorities once again on Tuesday.

Police in Blaine thought they were hot on the trail of Ty Hoffman after an officer spotted a man fitting his description. An all-day search with SWAT teams on the ground and a police chopper in the air ended without capturing the fugitive. He has been on the run for three weeks.

"We're dealing with an individual that we believe is a suspect in a murder, suspect in an armed robbery and is armed, so safety for both the public and our officers is paramount," Blaine Police Chief Chris Olson said.

Law enforcement from across the Twin Cities teamed up and formed a perimeter as camouflaged officers with guns drawn combed the woods along the edge of the Anoka County-Blaine Airport.

"We weren't 100 percent sure, but we didn't want to take a chance and not check that area," Olson said.

Authorities are not sure what drew Hoffman out of hiding. He resurfaced Sunday when police believe he robbed the TCF Bank on County Road 10 in Blaine.

"It's hard to say why something has changed now. Maybe his support system has changed, we don't know," Olson said.

But police still believe Hoffman is not acting alone.

"Our safest bet is he's getting help. It's very difficult to stay hidden for a long time when your picture is out there, and know your picture is out there," Ramsey County Sheriff Chief Deputy John Kirkwood said.

People who live and work in the area are taking precautions.

"I don't let my kid play outside, without supervision," said Kayla Southmayd. "I don't feel comfortable with [my son] alone. You never know what easy target or leverage he may need."

Police have a message for the man that continues to evade capture.

"Turn yourself in, and let this end peacefully," Kirkwood said.

This is the third time police have searched the airport for Hoffman. They said he has ties to the location.

They also searched and fingerprinted a nearby school bus dispatch center after an attempted break-in. Police are not sure if the two incidents are related. They plan to continue to work leads in the area.

Kirkwood said that if someone is assisting Hoffman they could face federal and state charges.

Anyone with information should immediately contact police at 911 or anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Recently, the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office issued Hoffman's revised wanted poster, which reflects the increased reward of $25,000 raised by the community and offered by Crime Stoppers.