Police search for Jesse James Johnson, who rammed squad cars outside Rochester gym
ROCHESTER, Minn. – Law enforcement are searching for a man after southern Minnesota deputies were involved in a "deadly force" incident outside of a Rochester health club Wednesday.
Rochester police say it happened just before 5 p.m. at the Planet Fitness off 15th Avenue Southeast, just north of Bear Creek Park.
Olmsted County Sheriff's deputies tracked down a vehicle belonging to a suspect -- 38-year-old Jesse James Johnson -- outside of the fitness center. Johnson allegedly saw the law enforcement presence and was able to get into his vehicle, and then rammed two squad cars before fleeing.
Police say "a deputy shot" at Johnson's vehicle as he fled, but it's not clear if he was hurt. No members of law enforcement were injured in the encounter.
Johnson has previous warrants out for his arrest for second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, and third-degree assault. He is 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 215 pounds.
Police say Johnson is "known to carry firearms on his person," and he was last seen driving a silver 2008 Pontiac G6, with Minnesota license number BKT665. The sedan should have rear bumper damage.
Police say they hope Johnson can be found and taken into custody without incident. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 911.
The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office asked Rochester police to take over this use-of-force investigation, which is standard operating procedure.
