Manhunt for armed 14-year-old in Wisconsin ends in Forest Lake, Minn.

FOREST LAKE, Minn. (KMSP) - Police in western Wisconsin have confirmed the nearly 15-hour search for an armed 14-year-old came to an end Tuesday morning in Forest Lake, Minnesota. Cole Laird was the suspect in a Monday afternoon crime spree that included the theft of two cars, the burglary of a home and a high-speed chase.

Laird had his first contact with police Monday afternoon in Eau Claire County. Operating a stolen vehicle and carrying a handgun, the teenager attempted an armed burglary at a home in the Woodville, Wis. area, then drove away before police arrived.

Laird was later seen in New Richmond, Wis., and a high speed chase ended when he abandoned the stolen car near Star Prairie, Wis. and fled on foot. Laird then stole another car, which he abandoned a short time later. Reports of a gunshot in the area were heard as officers attempted to locate the 14-year-old suspect a third time.

The search for Cole Laird ended Tuesday morning after a high-speed chase and crash in Forest Lake. The chase when a Centennial Lakes police officer saw a car speeding down Lexington Avenue at Edgewood Road. Laird jumped on northbound Interstate 35W, then exited at Highway 97 before crashing near the intersection of Everton Avenue in Forest Lake.

Laird was taken to Fairview Wyoming Hospital for observation and will be booked into the Anoka County Regional Juvenile Center.