Community Corner

Eagan Police Chief Recognizes Man Who Helped Stop Crime

Jason Hakala was given a letter of recognition Tuesday at a Night to Unite party.

Jason Hakala one late night in 2009 took out the trash at his mom and stepdad's home in Eagan.

It was around 2 a.m. when he noticed a string of dome lights lit in cars down the road. He saw some teenagers. He wondered if they had broken into the vehicles.

Hakala, now 37, and with work experience in law enforcement and security, confronted the teenagers and called 911. He and police chased them over two nearby chain link fences and a wooden fence, Hakala said. They caught the suspects and resolved 23 cases of car break-ins, said Eagan Police Chief Jim McDonald.

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McDonald recognized Hakala for his good work at a National Night Out party in Eagan Tuesday night. Hakala was awarded a letter of appreciation.

Hakala, who was surprised to receive the recognition, said he is a big supporter of National Night Out. "If you put someone's first name to a house, I think you will (prevent crime)."

Find out what's happening in Eaganwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

McDonald said police were stopping at 180 parties to let people know that they're there for residents.

"Police are in the get-bothered business," he said. "There is no reason for you not to call police... That's what your tax dollars are for. And really, use them."


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