Minneapolis Police Department officers had an unusual “Gator Hunt” recently, but don’t let your imagination run wild—it wasn’t the reptilian variety they were after. The law enforcement team was on the lookout for a stolen John Deere Gator, according to a post on their official Facebook page. The utility vehicle, which was taken from a maintenance building near the 3600 block of Hennepin Ave S, didn’t manage a great escape. It was found by 5th Precinct officers in a parking lot not far from where it was originally swiped.
While the details of the investigation are still unfolding and the suspect remains at large, the Minneapolis Police Department confirmed, “we’re happy to report the Gator has been wrangled and returned to its owner.” This little anecdote, which occurred off the sidewalks and amidst the bustle of urban life, reminds city dwellers that sometimes crime isn’t only about the high stakes, but also the stolen tools and vehicles essential for the city’s maintenance.
What remains noteworthy is the swiftness with which the Minneapolis officers found the missing vehicle. Despite the suspect still playing a game of hide and seek with the law, the recovery of the Gator ensures that work can continue for those who rely on such machinery. While not as dramatic as a high-speed chase or a high-profile crime, the theft and recovery of this vehicle highlight the diligence of local law enforcement in ensuring even the seemingly mundane assets of the city are protected and recovered…