Suspect in fatal St. Paul shooting accused of fleeing

Last update: July 29, 2009 - 8:04 PM

A man who police suspect played a role in a fatal shooting Sunday night in St. Paul was charged Wednesday in Ramsey County District Court with fleeing police.

Robert Scott Nelson Jr., 27, is accused of leading police and State Patrol troopers on a 45-mile chase early Tuesday that reached speeds of 90 to 100 miles per hour before it ended at the Harris exit on Interstate 35 north of the Twin Cities.

The criminal complaint does not say what role Nelson allegedly played in the death of Roberto Flores, 38, of St. Paul. Flores was killed during a gun battle in the 400 block of Case Avenue E., apparently after a dispute about an earlier home invasion.

No charges have been filed against Nelson in connection with the homicide. Three others were charged Tuesday with second-degree murder.

The complaint against Nelson said a St. Paul police sergeant told a Maplewood police officer that "reliable information" indicated that Nelson might be leaving the 1800 block of Edgerton Street in a white GMC Yukon. Officers tried to stop the vehicle, but it sped north out of the metro area.

Near the Harris exit, north of North Branch, a trooper managed to hit and spin the vehicle around. Nelson was alone at the time.

PAT PHEIFER

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