Robert Gary Maki, 44 of Lewiston, left six dollars at the Kwik Trip convenience store in Spring Valley Thursday afternoon.

Friday, July 13, 2001

Robert Gary Maki, 44 of Lewiston, left six dollars at the Kwik Trip convenience store in Spring Valley Thursday afternoon.

Unfortunately, his purchases exceeded the amount and after he drove off, a clerk notified the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Department setting in motion a chase of the pickup driver.

Maki was finally stopped at 2:32 p.m. Thursday east of Austin along Interstate 90, when a tire in his pickup was deflated by "Stop-stick" devices.

Maki ignored a Mower County Sheriff’s Department deputy’s orders to stop when confronted on the freeway.

The Minnesota State Patrol and Austin Police Department assisted the deputy in stopping the vehicle.

Maki, who was alone in his vehicle, was sprayed with a chemical agent at the scene along I-90, when he became belligerent. He was handcuffed and taken to the Mower County Jail, pending a court appearance on reckless driving and fleeing a police officer charges. Both are gross misdemeanor crimes.

He may face additional charges in Fillmore County, where the theft occurred and the chase began Thursday afternoon.

According to the Sheriff’s Department report, he only had $2.77 when he was taken into custody.

The items he purchased are unknown.

Drivers escape injury

No injuries were reported, when an Austin Police Department squad car was struck in an intersection collision.

The patrolman was eastbound on 1st Avenue Southwest enroute to an emergency call involving the pursuit of a vehicle heading toward Austin, when another car pulled from a "blind" 8th Street intersection. Both vehicles swerved to avoid striking each other, but collided.

The intersection is considered dangerous because of a large tree that obstructs the view of drivers as well as larger vehicles who park near the intersection.

The mishap occurred at 12:32 p.m. Thursday and no citations were issued.

Resident’s SUV stolen

Charles Anderson reported his 1997 Chevrolet Blazer stolen from his garage at 1903 6th Ave. SW.

According to an Austin Police Department report, the theft occurred sometime overnight Thursday.

The vehicle’s keys were left inside the SUV parked in a garage containing a Lincoln Town Car that was rummaged through, during the theft.

Anderson’s vehicle is black in color and bearing Minnesota license plate AVY-680.

Vehicle rolls over

No serious injuries were reported after a one-car rollover at 12:25 a.m. today.

The mishap occurred near the intersection of Mower County 24 and 46 east of the Austin Country Club.

The driver, a 16 year old Austin male, will be charged with driving under the influence of liquor. His 14 year old passenger, also of Austin, will be charged with minor consuming.

The late-model Mercury Sable was found on its top in a ditch after the mishap and the driver and passenger had exited the vehicle and were waiting for deputies to arrive at the scene.