Anonymous bystanders help Willmar police officer capture wanted felons Wednesday

Image courtesy Willmar Police Department

A group of anonymous bystanders jumped in to help a Willmar police officer subdue and capture two wanted felons Wednesday evening.

According to the Willmar Police Department, at about 6:50 p.m. on Feb. 22, a uniformed Willmar Police Officer noted a vehicle park on the 300 block of 7th St. NW, and two people exit it. The officer recognized one of the people who was wanted on a felony warrant.

As the officer tried speaking to the suspects, one fled on foot. The officer chased and caught him, leading to a struggle. During the arrest attempt, the second suspect also fought with the officer. The arresting officer called for help, ending up on the ground with one fighting suspect, and hanging onto the other who was assaulting him.

At that point, a group of bystanders approached and assisted the officer with both suspects, holding them until other officers arrived on the scene.

The Willmar Police Officer was transported to the hospital, treated for minor injuries, and released.

The suspects were identified as:

• Ramero Arguijo, age 48 of Willmar. Potential charges include a felony warrant for receiving stolen property, 4th degree assault on a police officer, 5th degree drug charge, obstructing legal process, driving after revocation and fleeing a police officer on foot.

• Leandro Arguijo, age 20 of Willmar. Potential charges include a gross misdemeanor warrant for drug possession, a felony warrant for receiving stolen property, 4th degree assault on a police officer & obstructing legal process.

The Willmar Police Department was assisted by the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office, MN State Patrol and CentraCare EMS.

The Willmar Police Department would like to thank the group of bystanders that came to the aid of the officer during the incident and intervened on his behalf. Without their assistance, it’s likely greater injuries would have occurred. Unfortunately, the individuals left before they could be thanked. Willmar PD is working to identify those bystanders and would like to formally recognize their actions.