Police car ‘totaled’ in chase
Published 12:00 am Monday, August 7, 2000
Austin Police Officer Rene Phan, 25, escaped injury when he lost control of his squad car while pursuing another vehicle.
Monday, August 07, 2000
Austin Police Officer Rene Phan, 25, escaped injury when he lost control of his squad car while pursuing another vehicle.
According to Austin Police Chief Paul M. Philipp, Phan was following correct procedures and no disciplinary action is needed.
The car may be totaled, according to the police chief.
The high-speed chase began when the police officer observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed going north on 14th Street NW at 11:55 p.m. Friday.
The officer gave chase, but the late-model red-colored Chevrolet Beretta gained distance and speeds went more than 90 mph.
The vehicle refused to slow down for the officer’s lights and sirens and sped north until it turned from U.S. Highway 218 onto Mower County No. 45 and then a Lansing Township gravel road.
Still refusing to stop, the vehicle pounded down the gravel road with the police officer in pursuit until the squad car went out of control, slid sideways, striking a tree along the roadway and the air bag deployed when it came to a halt.
The pursued vehicle continued down the road and out of sight.