Wertman, Argue charged in connection to numerous carjacking-related offenses

Two individuals involved in more than 20 carjacking-related offenses across Hennepin County, and neighboring cities, have been charged. This comes following a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement effort that apprehend the two suspects, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced Friday.

Kashawn Wertman, 18, of St. Paul, and 19-year-old Nautica Argue, of St. Paul, are facing a combined 31 counts for their involvement in numerous cross-county carjacking-related offenses that occurred between Jan. 7 – Jan. 17. These charges range from aggravated robbery to theft from a person.

Presently, Wertman has been charged with 17 counts, while Argue faces 14 counts. While the investigation is on-going, it is anticipated that additional charges will be filed.

First appearances for Wertman and Argue have been scheduled for Jan. 21 at 2:30 p.m.

“The excellent police work by the numerous law enforcement agencies in the greater Twin Cities area has resulted in the apprehension of two dangerous people, who had terrorized countless community members,” Freeman stated.

“Our office will now do our part as the charging agency in the criminal justice system, and prosecute these defendants to the fullest extent of the law.”

According to the criminal complaint, between Jan. 7 – Jan. 17, Wertman and Argue were involved in nearly 25 carjacking-related offenses which occurred in St. Louis Park, Plymouth, Richfield, Brooklyn Center, Minneapolis, Edina, White Bear Lake, Roseville, Columbia Heights, Lakeville, Eagan, Little Canada, Burnsville, Woodbury, and Saint Paul.

A total of 10 vehicles were stolen violently from victims that were used to commit these offenses.

On Jan. 18, Ramsey County Sheriff’s deputies went to the 1700 block of Maryland Avenue in St. Paul in search of Wertman. Officers later encountered the stolen Audi TT being driven by Wertman with Argue in the passenger seat.

When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, Wertman began to speed off. He eventually drove into the Cedar Riverside neighborhood and then back to the 1700 block of Maryland Avenue in St. Paul where additional police were waiting, the complaint states.

Both Wertman and Argue admitted to certain offenses when speaking with law enforcement following their arrests.

Bail has been set for Argue at $250K without conditions, $150K with conditions.

At the request of the defense, the bail argument for Wertman has been reserved.

Kashawn Wertman Criminal Complaint (PDF)

Nautica Argue Criminal Complaint (PDF)