Car Forfeited in DUI Case Becomes Minnesota Police Squad Car

By Editor

The Elk River, Minnesota Police Department seized a 2002 Chevy Impala through the Minnesota DUI forfeiture program, and now it’s an unmarked police squad car.

Most states have a forfeiture program for property involved in drug crimes; Minnesota has a forfeiture program for DUI arrests.

Elk River Police Chief Jeff Beahen said that your first DUI can cost you your driver’s license. Your second DUI can cost you your license plates. If you get a third DUI, your could lose your vehicle.

Elk River usually sells vehicles it confiscates at auction, but the Chevy Impala was the same model as the cars used by the Elk River Police Department. The Department is currently trying to seize a Ford Expedition with just 750 miles on it.

Forfeitures can be quite profitable for some police departments. Beahen said some agencies take in $250,000 in revenue each year from forfeited vehicles, seizing everything from cars to motor homes.