Man arrested after police chase
Published 7:47 am Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Christopher Lynn Wright, 29, of Austin was arrested Friday night after allegedly fleeing police in a motor vehicle.
Christopher Lynn Wright, 29
According to Austin Police Chief Brian Krueger, police received an anonymous tip at 9:59 p.m. on Friday that an individual driving a white Chevy Impala was in Austin and may have warrants in Freeborn County after missing a court appearance there. Police later received a second call saying the vehicle was at an Austin Kwik Trip.
An officer, driving past the Fourth Street Northwest Kwik Trip, saw a white Impala leaving and heading north on Fourth Street Northwest, according to Krueger. The officer pursued the vehicle and activated his lights, at which point the vehicle accelerated. The officer then activated his siren and gave chase. The Impala turned onto 21st Avenue Northwest, then onto Seventh Street Northwest, where it came to a stop, Krueger said.
Wright, who was driving, then allegedly exited the car and ran from the scene. An officer pursued him while a second officer held the vehicle’s three passengers at the scene. Wright was caught after running through several yards.
He appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance, according to Krueger.
Officers searched the vehicle and allegedly found methamphetamine and a methamphetamine pipe in the driver’s seat as well as a cooler containing a small amount of methamphetamine and marijuana. In all, 11.39 grams of methamphetamine and 4.41 grams of marijuana were seized, according to Krueger.
Wright was arrested and taken to Mower County Jail, where he awaits possible charges of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, fleeing a peace officer on foot, fifth-degree drug possession, fourth-degree DWI and possession of drug paraphernalia. It was also confirmed he has warrants in Freeborn County.
The passengers in the vehicle were released; however, one passenger, Billy Wright, 36, of Austin was cited for possession of a small amount of marijuana.
A review of Christopher Wright’s criminal history shows prior convictions for theft, burglary, disorderly conduct, fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, trespassing and violent felon in possession of a firearm.
