Inmate Escapes Northern Minnesota Jail, Steals Car, And Leads High-Speed Chase To Airport

Inmate Escapes Northern Minnesota Jail, Steals Car, And Leads High-Speed Chase To Airport

BAUDETTE, MN – July 1, 2025 – A northern Minnesota inmate is facing a new battery of felony charges after escaping from the Lake of the Woods County jail, stealing a vehicle, and instigating a high-speed pursuit that culminated on the tarmac of a local airport. LaShaun Tarez Moran, 45, was taken back into custody following the dramatic incident on June 16.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Lake of the Woods County, Moran was being held at the jail in Baudette on prior drug and weapons charges. The escape occurred during a designated recreation period, when Moran was reportedly let outside for an hour. A jail guard, monitoring surveillance cameras, observed Moran walking to an adjacent property.

Deputies immediately launched an extensive ground search, establishing a perimeter, but were initially unable to locate Moran. Several hours later, an investigator noticed a dark-colored Chevrolet Camaro pulling out of the driveway of the property that deputies had just searched. Suspecting Moran was behind the wheel, the deputy attempted a traffic stop.

The Camaro, however, failed to stop and instead accelerated, initiating a pursuit. The vehicle was driven aggressively, running multiple stop signs as it sped through downtown Baudette and towards the local airport. The chase, estimated to be approximately three miles in length, continued onto the airport's tarmac, with the Camaro maneuvering around airport buildings.

To bring the dangerous pursuit to an end, an officer strategically used his squad car to block the roadway on Airport Road NW. The Camaro ultimately made contact with the front bumper of the squad car, bringing the vehicle to a halt. Officers then confirmed that LaShaun Tarez Moran was, in fact, the driver.

Investigators believe Moran gained entry to the neighboring residence by smashing a utility room window with a wrench. Blood samples were collected from the scene, further supporting this theory. After his arrest, Moran reportedly admitted to breaking into the home and stealing the Camaro, telling detectives he escaped from jail because he "did not feel safe."

Moran now faces multiple felony charges, including escape from custody, theft of a motor vehicle, fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, and burglary. These new charges are in addition to the drug and weapons offenses for which he was originally incarcerated.

The successful apprehension of Moran involved the rapid response and coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies in the Lake of the Woods County area. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable challenges faced by correctional and law enforcement personnel.

MinneapoliMedia