02/05/2026
Yesterday, the Pine County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 9000 block of County Road 41 near McGrath on a report of a burglary in progress. The caller provided a vehicle description, and a deputy was able to locate the vehicle and attempt a traffic stop. The vehicle fled, and it was later confirmed to be stolen out of Minneapolis.
With assistance from a Mille Lacs Tribal unit in the area, spike strips were successfully deployed. The vehicle ended up in the ditch, and both occupants fled on foot.
Officers caught up to one of the occupants, who stated she had a gun. Officers were able to determine she was holding a cell phone in a manner that made it appear to be a firearm and wanting officers to shoot her. She was taken into custody without incident and identified as Cassie Nelson of Minneapolis.
Officers asked if the second suspect was armed, but no information was provided. K9 Luda was deployed to offer his professional opinion and to locate the remaining suspect. Luda led officers to a spruce tree where the suspect was hiding underneath.
🚨 Public Service Announcement: When officers are giving loud commands and a K9 is barking at you, this is not the time to play possum. 🚨
After the suspect failed to comply with commands, K9 Luda was deployed and successfully made the apprehension. Following a precautionary trip to the hospital, Andre Secord was transported to the Pine County Jail. His listed address is the Rush City Prison, and he is currently on Hennepin County probation.
Both individuals were advised that Pine County is not the best place to make the choices they did.
👏 Outstanding work by all officers involved and our partners. They absolutely rocked this call! 👏💪
