Herald Journal,
July 14, 2003
High-speed chase begins in Winsted and continues for more than 20 miles
By Ryan Gueningsman
A high-speed chase resulted after a Winsted Police Officer attempted to pull over a newer sport-type motorcycle for a traffic stop July 5 at 11:57 p.m.
The officer noticed the vehicle near the intersection of Linden Avenue and Babcock Avenue in Winsted. The driver of the motorcycle fled, and the chase was on.
The driver of the motorcycle proceeded north to Howard Lake, where the Howard Lake Police Department assisted in trying to stop the driver. The Minnesota State Patrol and Wright County Sheriff's Department also brought in their efforts to stop the driver.
The driver continued on Wright County Roads, eventually ending up in the Annandale area, where the Winsted Police Officer called off the chase.
"The chase was starting to get too long (26 minutes), and it would have proceeded into the city, so it was called off," said Winsted Police Chief Mike Henrich. "It's always dangerous when chasing bikes because its easier for them to wipe out. That didn't happen this time, but it's always a risk."
Speeds of more than 100 miles an hour were reached by the motorcycle driver, who has not yet been identified.
"We are reviewing video tapes to determine the license number," Henrich said.
This is the first high-speed chase in recent memory for the Winsted Police Department.
"The last one we assisted was the motorhome one near Glencoe," Henrich said. "As far as our agency, we don't participate in many chases." Fleeing a peace officer is now a felony in the state of Minnesota.
There were no injuries, and no vehicles were damaged in the pursuit.
Anyone with information should contact the Winsted Police Department at (320) 485-2600, or call the McLeod County Sheriff's Department tip-line at (320) 864-4524. Callers may remain anonymous.
Back to Current Stories Menu | Back to Archives List