WOODBURY, MN – A Woodbury man with a lengthy criminal history is in custody after a chaotic confrontation with police last week, culminating in his arrest for illegal firearm possession. Jason Steven Kearns, 38, is now facing federal charges after leading officers on a motorcycle chase in October and then ramming a police vehicle with his truck during a second encounter, according to court documents.
The initial run-in with law enforcement occurred October 18th, when officers observed what appeared to be a narcotics transaction involving Kearns outside his residence. A subsequent search of a vehicle connected to the transaction revealed approximately half a pound of methamphetamine. Kearns fled the scene on a motorcycle, carrying more meth, and evaded capture. A search of his home turned up three firearms.
The situation escalated dramatically November 14th. Woodbury Police attempted a traffic stop on Kearns, who was behind the wheel of a truck. Instead of complying, Kearns allegedly accelerated directly into one of the police cruisers, then reversed into a curb, becoming pinned between the two squad cars. He then bailed from the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, all while clutching a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm semiautomatic pistol.
Officers drew their weapons and repeatedly ordered Kearns to drop the firearm, but he continued walking through a parking lot before finally kneeling down – still refusing to relinquish the gun. Kearns admitted to officers he had the weapon in his hand before finally surrendering. A search of the truck yielded additional methamphetamine, hypodermic needles, and a digital scale. He was also found to be carrying a large knife.
Given Kearns’ extensive criminal record – including prior convictions for assault and armed robbery – he is federally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. He is now charged with one count of possession of firearms as a felon. He appeared in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung and is being held without bail pending a formal detention hearing scheduled for November 28th.
The investigation was a joint effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Washington County Drug Task Force, and the Woodbury Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily A. Polachek and Thomas Calhoun-Lopez are prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is just an accusation, and Kearns is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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