Kidnapping on Anoka Ramsey Community College Campus?

Student wakes up from nap to an empty campus and an empty gas tank.  

By: Jane Thompson – Noelle Stockhausen 

Brent Michaelson, sophomore at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, woke up Tuesday night in the parking lot of an empty campus. By that time, it was dark outside and all the lights in the lot were off.  

 Michaelson had an hour to kill before his last class began at 5 P.M. He decided he’d go sit in his car to pass the time. Without realizing it, he dozed off in the driver’s seat while his car continued to run. He woke up hours later. By that time, it was 10 P.M. and he had long missed his class.  

“I sat in my car for a few minutes, the next thing I know I’m waking up and it’s dark outside,” said Michaelson. “I couldn’t believe how much time had went by. I missed my class and ran out of gas.” 

 He had started his car to generate heat which meant his car had been running the whole time he was sleeping. By the time he woke up, he had no gas left. Michaelson had to wait it out until a friend came with gas.  

Other students who attend Anoka-Ramsey witnessed Michaelson napping but didn’t feel the need to wake him. “It isn’t abnormal for a student to take a nap in their car in between classes. We’re all tired and want to rest any time we can,” says Lisa Johnson, student at Anoka-Ramsey who witnessed Michaelson in his car. Many students feel uncomfortable taking a nap somewhere on campus because they don’t think it’s not private enough. This is the reason many choose to nap in their cars. Students find it less awkward, more secluded, and more convenient.  

Michaelson eventually made it home later that evening. Next time he takes a nap in between classes, maybe he’ll set an alarm.