A Ramsey County man has been charged in a superseding indictment with illegal possession of multiple firearms and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger last week.
Timothy Michael Decker, 39, of Vadnais Heights has been charged in federal court with two counts of possessing a firearm as a felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Court documents say that on May 14, 2023, and on Jan. 29, 2024, Decker illegally possessed firearms, including a CZ Model CZ40B .40 caliber pistol, a Taurus Model 38 Special .38 caliber revolver, a Beretta Model 92FSR .22 caliber pistol, and a Girsan Regard Model MC 9-millimeter pistol. Decker also possessed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
In the May 2023 case, charges say Decker and another male absconded with baskets full of merchandise from a Little Canada store. Responding officers located the vehicle, driven by Decker, and attempted to pull it over, but it fled at a high rate of speed while weaving in traffic. A State Patrol helicopter continued to track the vehicle for 40 minutes. A gun was observed being thrown from the vehicle at one point, which was recovered, and police discovered it had been previously stolen. The vehicle eventually crashed in St. Paul, and Decker was taken into custody and was found to be wearing a bulletproof vest. He also had an active warrant for theft at the time.
Decker was released from jail two weeks later on his own recognizance after being charged with auto theft, fleeing police, felon in possession of a firearm, and wearing a bulletproof vest while committing a crime. Decker failed to appear at subsequent court hearings, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Decker wasn’t captured until January 2024, when he was arrested in St. Paul with his girlfriend while both were allegedly engaged in drug sales from inside a vehicle while in possession of several guns.
Because Decker has prior felony convictions in Ramsey and Washington Counties, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.
Decker was arraigned last week in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung. He has been ordered to remain in custody pending further proceedings.
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Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
Crime Watch MN
Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
