Staples Police Department members were involved in the apprehension of a man early Sunday morning in Staples who was wanted in connection with a firearm incident in Deer Creek a few hours earlier.

Local police officers, along with members of the Central Minnesota Drug and Gang Task Force and Todd County Sheriff’s Deputies were involved in locating and arresting Anthony Edward Mitchell, 34, of Maple Grove, in an apartment on Fourth Street in Staples, according to the Staples Police Department.

Mitchell was arrested inside the apartment without incident. Otter Tail County authorities were looking for Mitchell in connection with an altercation that had taken place in Deer Creek just hours before his 5:30 a.m. arrest in Staples.

At the time of his arrest, officers also recovered a white Chevy S-10 Blazer that is believed to be stolen. Officers took Jill Marie Kobliska, 31, into custody in connection with the vehicle. Officers also recovered an estimated three pounds of suspected marijuana from the apartment where Mitchell and Kobliska were arrested. Officers were assisted by a Minnesota State Patrol trooper with specific training in detecting stolen vehicles.

Members of the Central Minnesota Task Force, in cooperation with Maple Grove authorities, later executed a search warrant in that city at Mitchell and Kobliska’s residence. Officers there recovered a hand gun as a result of that search. They stated both Mitchell and Kobliska are convicted felons and are not legally allowed to possess firearms.

Early this week, Anthony Mitchell was being held in the Otter Tail County Detention Center in Fergus Falls pending formal charges being filed by the Otter Tail County Attorney’s office.

Jill Kobliska was being held in the Todd County Detention Center in Long Prairie pending formal charges from the Todd County Attorney’s office

This matter is still under investigation with possible additional charges. Authorities said additional charges are likely in connection with the suspected marijuana, once lab results are obtained.