Morrison County Sheriff Shawn Larsen reports that charges are pending against 22-year-old Daniel Hinz Jr. and 25-year-old Ryan Schmidt both from Staples, MN, for their involvement in a theft that occurred at the Stanchfield Lake Access, located in Scandia Valley Township, Morrison County.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, on 12-14-2018 at approximately 7:16 pm, they received a report that someone had their vehicle broken into at Stanchfield Lake Access. The complainant stated they were missing a Jiffy Propane 10-inch Ice Auger and a black backpack with their wallet inside. A deputy arrived on scene and spoke to a witness who gave a description of a possible suspect vehicle which was seen in the area. The deputy later located the suspect vehicle leaving the west access of Lake Alexander which is approximately five miles southwest from where the theft occurred. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and immediately noticed an ice auger that appeared similar to the one that was stolen. The deputy identified the occupants of the vehicle and conducted an investigation. The deputy was able to confirm that the suspects were in possession of the stolen items and they were recovered and returned to the owner.
Daniel Hinz Jr. and Ryan Schmidt were arrested and brought to Morrison County Jail where they are awaiting formal charges.