Thief attempts to flee police by jumping into cold lake

A Lakeville man who police say had been driving a stolen truck was treated at a hospital this week after he decided to run away from an officer by jumping into a lake, authorities said.

Daniel James Fuller, 40, was charged Wednesday with auto theft and fleeing police in connection with the incident on Monday in Lakeville.

According to the criminal complaint, police tried to pull over the pickup truck Fuller was driving, which had been reported stolen. When the truck reached a dead end, Fuller allegedly drove it into someone's yard, got out and fled on foot. Another man who was in the truck also ran away.

A Lakeville police officer ran after Fuller, who ran into Lake Marion until he was waist-deep in water. He then lit a cigarette and stared at the officer, who stayed on shore, the complaint said.

Fuller went deeper into the lake until water reached his shoulders. Eventually, the Lakeville Fire Department brought in a boat and authorities were able to get Fuller out of the water, according to court documents.

Fuller was taken to Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville where he was treated for possible hypothermia. He is now being held in the Dakota County jail.