Duluth Man Arrested for Motor Vehicle Theft

A Duluth man has been arrested and charged after allegedly stealing a vehicle over the weekend. 

61-year-old James Barker is charged with Felony Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Misdemeanor Theft and driving Without A License. 

The charges stem from an incident on March 5. Duluth Police responded to the area of the 600 block of East First Street around 9:30 p.m. on reports of a motor vehicle theft.  The call came in from a pizza delivery driver. 

The driver told police he was making a delivery at the address, and while he was walking back to his car, he saw a male enter the driver’s side and take off with the car. 

The driver admitted the vehicle had been running and was unlocked at the time.  

A Floodwood Police Officer, along with a U.S. Border Patrol Agent, located and stopped the car on 19th Avenue West and Superior Street.  Duluth Police responded to the scene and  arrested Barker. 

Barker has a lengthy criminal history including charges of Felony Domestic Assault, Threats of Violence, Criminal Damage to Property and several driving violations.