The Minnesota State Patrol is retiring its motorcycle unit, the agency said Friday, April 20.

After a 60-year hiatus, the unit returned in 2007 with five troopers, the State Patrol said. Between 1930 and 1949, 80 motorcycles were in use by troopers.

Increased training costs, a concern for trooper safety and a lack of troopers interested in volunteering for the unit led to the decision to disband the unit, Col. Kevin Daly, chief of the State Patrol, said in a statement.

“Our decision to decommission the motorcycle unit was not made lightly, and the troopers who served in this unit deserve recognition for their work to improve traffic safety,” Daly said.

The State Patrol will auction its five 2008 Harley Davidson motorcycles in separate auctions. The first motorcycle is to be soldto a new trial.
On July 3, 1989, at or about 10:15 p.m., according to the Commonwealth's evidence, appellant and Michael Rouse gained access to an office maintained by Rachael Thomas in an apartment building owned by her at 4240 Old York Road, *77 Philadelphia. Rouse had been employed as a maintenance man by Thomas and apparently had a key by which entrance was effected. Appellant found Thomas in an adjacent bathroom, where he held a gun to her head while Rouse removed cash and jewelry. When Thomas began to struggle with appellant, he punched her in the face and jaw, and the gun was discharged. At that point, Rouse shouted, "Come on, man, let's go, we got enough." His voice was recognized by Thomas. Thereafter, the robbers fled