State Patrol to Recognize Heroic Act of Southeast Minnesotans

Mendota Heights, MN (KROC-AM News)- Two southeast Minnesotans will be among more than 30 people honored by the State Patrol for heroic acts last year.

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The recognition will occur at the State Patrol’s annual award ceremony on Thursday afternoon. Both men are being awarded the Meritorious Citizenship Award, which is presented to citizens who provide a service to the public for assisting the State Patrol.  

Jeramy Gerard and Jordan Larson are being recognized for assisting Trooper Alex Vukelich, who was engaged in a fight with a suspect during an attempted traffic stop near Mabel last February. 

The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Jacob Erickson of Canton, at one point shocked Vukelich with his own taser. Gerard and Larson were driving in the area when they heard Trooper Vukelich call for help while Erickson had him pinned to the pavement. 

The men sprang into action and pried Erickson off of the trooper. Gerard and Larson then restrained Erickson. Trooper Vukelich was taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.  

A synopsis detailing the heroic acts of Gerard and Larson says, “Jeramy and Jordan put their own safety aside to help Trooper Vukelich in what was potentially a life-threatening situation.” 

Erickson was convicted of fourth-degree assault on a peace officer and a gross misdemeanor DWI charge last September. He was sentenced to four years supervised probation and 90 days in the Fillmore County Jail. 

Gerard and Larson are among several southeast Minnesotans being recognized for heroic acts last year at the award ceremony. Rochester District State Trooper Alex Molitor saved a man who was choking in the parking lot at a restaurant last year. 

Trooper Josh Hall, also of the State Patrol’s Rochester District, is being awarded for rendering aid to a gunshot victim.

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