APPLE VALLEY, Minn. (WCCO) ―
A Minneapolis Police officer and member of the city's SWAT team has been arrested in connection with four separate robberies in Dakota County.
Timothy Edward Carson, 28, was booked into the Dakota County Jail early Thursday morning on probable cause first-degree aggravated robbery.
He was arrested after a bank robbery in Apple Valley on Wednesday. Sources said Carson, who works in the 3rd Precinct of south Minneapolis, allegedly robbed the bank while he was on his way to work.
Authorities said Carson was arrested at the precinct station, and his locker at work was searched and evidence was confiscated.
"This is probably the most shocking thing I've seen in my 30 years, as far as what a police officer could have done. ... This tops it all," said Minneapolis Police Chief Tim Dolan. "It sullied the badge, but remember, it was guys in badges who caught him, including Minneapolis officers who assisted."
Police said they have linked him to four robberies over the past month. All four took place near his home in Dakota County.
Authorities said he has also been connected to three more robberies that happened in his own south Minneapolis precinct within the last week -- two gas stations and a coffee shop.
"We go through great effort and expense to hire and train the best candidates as police officers because of the trust society grants those with a badge. We know a few will fail," Dolan said. "However, not even that reality can mitigate the shock and embarrassment of allegations of criminal behavior. This does tarnish the badge."
Sources say Carson is cooperating with police. Carson will remain in custody. A public defender will be appointed to represent Carson, as it was determined that he does not have stable finances.
