Dozens of vehicles damaged in Robbinsdale; at least 3 flee police

Police are investigating after dozens were smashed and at least three people fled officers in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, on Wednesday morning, according to law enforcement.

A resident reported to police that two individuals appeared to be looking into cars with flashlights in the area of 31st Avenue North and Drew Avenue around 4:18 a.m. Law enforcement also learned that a motorist with the two people was driving a vehicle slowly with its headlights off, officials said.

Officers in the area tried to "make contact" with the group before the two individuals got into the vehicle, which then fled, according to police. 

The officers chased the vehicle into South Minneapolis before calling off the pursuit due to "the threat to public safety," police said. The vehicle was found unoccupied later in the day in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. It was towed to the Robbinsdale Police Department.

Law enforcement found evidence after obtaining and executing a search warrant on the vehicle, police said.

Most of the damaged vehicles did not have anything stolen from them, according to officials. The investigation is ongoing. 

Police urge motorists to always lock their vehicle and remove any valuables, not to leave a vehicle running with keys inside, not to have items visible from the outside of the vehicle and not to keep loose change in a vehicle's center console or cup holder.