Illinois Man Tried to Run Down First Date With Stolen Car After Getting ‘Upset,’ Police Say
VIRGINIA, MINNESOTA — A first date between two Facebook acquaintances took a terrifying turn when a 33-year-old Illinois man allegedly tried to run the woman over — twice — with a stolen car, according to police.
Authorities say Alexander Lee Dennis Jr. drove from Illinois to meet the victim in the small Iron Range city of Virginia, Minnesota. What began as a casual meet-up quickly escalated into violence and a police chase ending with his arrest in a Target parking lot.
Dennis now faces multiple felony charges, including second-degree assault, fleeing police in a motor vehicle, and possession of stolen property, according to court documents reviewed by Law&Crime.
Date at Local Bar Turns Dangerous
The pair met on Facebook and agreed to have drinks at Tommy’s Rainy Lake Saloon, a popular neighborhood bar in Virginia. According to a probable cause affidavit, things appeared normal until Dennis began to act “upset” during the date.
After leaving the bar, Dennis offered to drive the woman home — but instead of taking her to her residence, he allegedly drove past her house and pulled into a Lucky Seven convenience store parking lot.
When the woman tried to get out of the vehicle, police say Dennis grabbed her by the shoulders and yanked her back inside.
The victim later told officers she feared for her life and managed to escape only moments later.
Suspect Allegedly Tried to Run Her Over Twice
As the woman walked along the sidewalk outside the store, Dennis allegedly drove his car over the curb and tried to strike her, missing narrowly.
When she dodged the vehicle, he reportedly turned the car around and tried to hit her again.
The woman managed to flee and called both a friend and 911, telling dispatchers Dennis was following her in his car.
Police responded quickly and soon spotted an Audi sedan speeding away from the area.
Stolen Vehicle Found Abandoned
Officers pursued the car but later found it abandoned nearby. Investigators soon discovered the Audi had been reported stolen out of Indiana.
Not long after, police found Dennis walking through a Target parking lot close to where the vehicle was ditched.
When officers confronted him, Dennis allegedly said he didn’t know why he was being arrested and refused to speak to investigators.
Suspect Held Without Bond
Dennis was booked into the St. Louis County Jail and is being held without bond, records show.
Authorities confirmed he faces multiple felony counts and may face additional charges as the investigation continues.
Police have not disclosed further details about what triggered Dennis’s outburst but described the attack as “an unprovoked act of violence during a first-time meeting.”
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