Alleged Hudson car thief doesn't get far

An Inver Grove Heights, Minn., man was arrested late Monday afternoon on suspicion of auto theft, OWI and driving without a valid driver’s license shortly after a vehicle was taken from the Freedom Convenience Center, 210 Second St., Hudson.

Kenneth Manuel Knick, 44, was arrested by the State Patrol on I-94 between Hammond and Baldwin near mile post 17 just minutes after the theft was reported at 5:11 p.m.

Hudson Police Chief Marty Jensen said the vehicle, a 2008 Cadillac, was owned by Robert Blair of Hudson. He had left the vehicle momentarily to run into the convenience store to purchase milk. The keys were left inside the car.The vehicle was returned to Blair after Knick was arrested.

Troopers responded to assist Hudson police and St. Croix County deputies in locating the vehicle. It was spotted a short time later headed east-bound on the interstate and officers used "high-risk procedures" to make the stop, according to a news release from the Patrol.

Jensen reported that Knick was arrested without incident.

Knick was also charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence, 3rd offense.

Tags: area news, crime and courts, news, wisconsin, hudson