Jason Ponting
BLAINE, Minn. – (March 23, 2017) – A police chase through Blaine and Lino Lakes landed one man in jail and four police officers in the hospital. Officers attempted to stop a suspicious vehicle driven by Jason Andrew Ponting near the Wal-mart on Ball Road. Ponting refused to stop and began to flee. A chase went north on 35W and exited on Lake Drive in Lino Lakes where the van was stopped with by several police cars.
After taking Ponting into custody, four police officers began feeling dizzy and had trouble breathing. Those officers were taken to the hospital, and the North Metro Chemical Assessment Team responded to the scene to determine the source of the problem.
Inside the van there was a leaking propane tank and several used spray paint cans. They believe the officers were exposed to the propane and the aerosol at the scene. All officers were treated at released the same day.
Ponting was charged with fleeing a police officer. There was also a handgun in the vehicle.
