Wednesday, February 02, 2000

Untitled Document

High speed chase involves stolen cars

From Staff Reports

Austin Daily Herald

According to an Austin Police Department report, the pursuit resulting in Allen’s apprehension covered 12 miles in 16 minutes over highways, county blacktops and gravel roads in Mower and Freeborn counties.

The series of events began 1:30 a.m. today, when a report of a stolen vehicle was issued by Freeborn County authorities. A half hour later, an Austin police officer on routine patrol came across the vehicle and followed it to Mapleview. The driver refused to stop for the police car despite the use of lights and sirens and the chase began.

The pursuit ended in Freeborn County, where the driver lost control of the vehicle which went into a ditch. The driver exited the vehicle and was pursued on foot until caught.

Freeborn County Sheriff’s Department deputies assisted Austin police in the apprehension.

Allen ditched the third stolen vehicle, a Chevrolet pickup truck in an area where he apparently lost control of two other stolen vehicles, a Ford Thunderbird and a Dodge Caravan.

Because keys to the other stolen vehicles were found in Allen’s possession, he is a suspect in those thefts also.

Allen, who was uninjured, was placed in the Mower County Jail, pending multiple charges in connection with the motor vehicle thefts and high speed chase.

The pursuit included speeds up to 70 miles per hour and was executed "according to procedures," Austin Police Chief Paul M. Philipp said.

Police seek help

Numerous car prowling incidents have prompted the Austin Police Department to ask for the public’s help.

Four more vehicle break-ins were reported Tuesday night in the vicinity of the Riverside Arena parking lot and Jerry’s Other Place restaurant.

In each case, a window was broken to gain entrance and car stereo equipment, CDs, other personal property and money was taken.

Because the prowlings took place in well-lighted areas of the city, Austin police hope the public can help in the apprehension of the individuals responsible for the break-ins.

Anyone seeing any suspicious activity Tuesday evening near Riverside Arena or Jerry’s Other Place restaurant is asked to call 437-9400 with that information.