A Rochester man who claimed he was a “sovereign citizen” to avoid arrest in 2012 was sentenced last week to 15 months of probation and a $185 fine.

Martin Wayne Chapman, 52, was convicted in Mower County District Court of obstructing the legal process and failure to appear in court.

According to police reports, a Grand Meadow officer first attempted to stop Chapman in September 2012 after he clocked him going 68 mph in a 55 mph zone, according to the sheriff’s report. Chapman then pulled onto the Valley Transportation property west of Grand Meadow and allegedly refused to get out of the car or show his hands. According to the court complaint, Chapman said he is a “sovereign citizen” and would not recognize the officer’s authority. Chapman then left Valley Transportation, and deputies arrived and followed.

Chapman allegedly went south on 740th Avenue near Grand Meadow, crossed the centerline and nearly struck another vehicle. Deputies were able to block Chapman’s path as he pulled into the parking lot of the SKB Lounge; however, Chapman continually refused to get out of the car, according to the complaint. He told officers “I do not acknowledge your use of force,” the complaint adds.

After officers watched Chapman reach for the glove box several times, they smashed the car window and pulled Chapman out.

Chapman also skipped a pretrial hearing in January 2013.