Golden Valley Police Arrest Man in Connection with Home Burglary

A Minneapolis man has been charged with burglarizing a Golden Valley home and then fleeing police when they tried to arrest him.

Kevin Laquan Benton, 24, is charged with two felonies: first-degree burglary, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $35,000 fine, and fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, which has a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

According to the criminal complaint, signed by Officer David Kuhnly, a resident of a home on Kewanee Way contacted police on July 8 and reported that someone had cut open a first-floor screen and broken into the house while her niece was home.

The homeowner reported that clothing had been removed from the dresser, and cash, jewelry and other belongings were missing. The burglar left the front door open and unlocked.

A security camera in the area provided a photo of the suspect’s vehicle and the license plate number.

Two days later, police spotted the van in north Minneapolis and stopped it, identifying the driver as Benton. As officers were checking the van, Benton put it into drive, spun the tires and sped away from the scene, according to the complaint.

Officers gave chase, following the van into several alleys and through stop signs. After a few minutes, police were able to block Benton’s path and stop the van.

Benton was arrested and admitted that he had gone into the victim’s home and stolen cash, jewelry and other property, the complaint says.

Benton is free on a $60,000 bond. An omnibus hearing in his case is scheduled Aug. 7 in Hennepin County District Court.