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An internal review has been initiated by the sheriff’s office and county jail staff to determine what may have contributed to the escape of a jail inmate very early Thursday morning April 10.  The Chief Deputy said preventive measures will be implemented to avoid future incidents.

A number of surrounding agencies and sheriff personnel were called out about 1:30 a.m. as Chisago county emergency communications was alerted Donald Warner, 46, who last had a North Branch address,  fled the Center City public safety center.  He was apprehended in Center City not far from the jail site.  The county acknowledged the assistance of Lakes Area, Wyoming, North Branch, MN State Patrol, Isanti County, Anoka County, Washington County, Forest Lake Police, Blaine and Coond Rapids Police.

Warner’s been held awaiting trial for counts of criminal sexual conduct.  He was arrested in late 2023 as a suspect connected by DNA to cold cases of alleged rape.  DNA was collected from a cigarette and the MN BCA did the analysis and announced a possible match to assaults in Stacy and Lindstrom in 2010 and 2017 respectively.

Chisago County Chief Deputy Justin Wood added there will be charges now for the attempted escape.  He added, “The safety and security of our community remains our top priority and we thank the public for their partnership and cooperation during this incident.”

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