Crystal Police in Bizarre Chase Involving Flamethrower; Severe Storms Expected Tonight

July 3, 2026 · 31 sources

Golden Valley & West Metro

Bizarre chase in Crystal: The Crystal Police Department is detailing a wild vehicle pursuit from Wednesday where suspected burglars actually threw a flamethrower at officers. Police were assisting in an attempt to stop a vehicle wanted in connection with a burglary when the suspects escalated the dangerous chase.

Boelter court date set: The state's case against Vance Boelter is officially on the calendar, with a Hennepin County court date scheduled to begin a little over a week after his federal sentencing on July 23.
Beach closures: If you're planning to cool off, avoid two of the three beaches at Bde Maka Ska and one at Lake Hiawatha. The Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board closed them after weekly testing revealed high levels of E. coli.
Fourth of July safety: Minneapolis safety officials say there will be extra staff on hand for the Fourth of July holiday, hoping to keep firework-related incidents as low as they were in 2025. Over in the Annunciation neighborhood, families connected to Annunciation Church and School are also asking neighbors to be mindful and safe with their fireworks.
Drug enforcement crackdown: The Minneapolis Police Department is increasing patrols and installing cameras around known "open-air drug markets" in an effort to cite and arrest more drug sellers and users.

Downtown development: The St. Paul Downtown Development Corporation has officially acquired the US Bank Center skyscraper, marking a major move for East Metro commercial real estate.
Pastor charged: Terrence Philip Walker Sr., one of the lead pastors at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, has been charged with stabbing a man.
Como Zoo baby named: The Como Park Zoo's baby sloth finally has a name! The adorable little one will be called Cusi (pronounced KOO-see), a Quechua word meaning "joy."

Twins take series in Houston: The Twins' offense stayed hot Wednesday night, securing an 8-3 victory over the Astros. Taj Bradley struck out 11 batters to tie his career high, while Josh Bell, Kody Clemens, and Luke Keaschall all launched home runs.
Lynx All-Stars: Congratulations are in order for Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Howard and rookie guard Olivia Miles, who have officially been named 2026 WNBA All-Star starters.
Loons captain returns: Minnesota United welcomed captain Michael Boxall back to training this week after the veteran defender represented New Zealand in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Severe storm risk tonight: Enjoy the mostly sunny and hot conditions today, but keep an eye on the sky tonight. Minnesota’s Weather Authority has issued a Forecast First Alert for possible severe thunderstorms across the metro and southern Minnesota this evening.

U of M synthetic cell breakthrough: Researchers at the University of Minnesota's College of Biological Sciences announced they’ve created the world’s first synthetic cell from scratch, a groundbreaking development that could transform medicine.
Egg price gouging settlement: Minnesota is among the states securing a settlement with major egg producers after a multistate investigation found they illegally colluded to raise prices from June 2022 until March 2025.
Pardon under fire: Federal agencies and the Department of Homeland Security are heavily criticizing Gov. Tim Walz and the Minnesota Board of Pardons for recently pardoning a child sex offender, a move that may block the individual's deportation.
Metro Transit chief investigation: A newly released report accuses former Metro Transit Police Chief Ernest Morales of discriminating against female employees and bullying. The investigation's findings have barred Morales from ever serving as a peace officer in Minnesota again.
Southern MN flooding: The Mower County Sheriff is urging drivers to stay off flooded routes after heavy overnight rainfall caused widespread flooding, forcing the closure of roads and a portion of Interstate 90.